Barbara A. McDermaid

August 9, 1944 - August 20, 2020

Barbara Sue Allen McDermaid (August 9, 1944 – August 20, 2020) Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt Barbara McDermaid of Tucson passed away August 20, 2020, the day she and her husband, Bruce, were to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Born in Denver, CO and raised in Salt Lake City, UT, Barbara met Bruce in middle school through their church youth group and together they built a life of love centered on family. At the University of Utah, Barbara became a member of Alpha Phi International Women’s Fraternity. After graduating in 1966, she worked as a fourth grade teacher in Salt Lake City before Bruce’s career took them to the East Coast. Bruce and Barbara settled in Tucson in 1978. There, Barbara joined her mother as a member of P.E.O. Chapter AW, a philanthropic organization dedicated to women’s education and advancement. The P.E.O. sisterhood fostered many lifelong friendships and remained an important part of Barbara’s life until the time of her death. Along with holding numerous leadership roles in P.E.O., Barbara volunteered for the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program, making over 200 home visits to provide education and support to breast cancer patients. Additionally, Barbara was the quintessential “room mom,” chaperoning numerous field trips and supporting her daughters Megan and Amy throughout their schooling and extracurricular activities. There was no greater joy in Barbara’s life than being with her family. Following Bruce’s retirement, they traveled frequently to spend time with their daughters and grandchildren. Affectionately known as Barbie, Barb, Mom, Gramma, Gma, and Aunt Barb, she was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Elouise Allen. Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bruce McDermaid; daughters Megan McDermaid (Steve King) of Poulsbo, WA, and Amy McDermaid Hughes (Kevin) of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren Sean and Erin Hughes; brother Bob Allen (Paula) of Green Valley, AZ; cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and a special circle of dear friends. Her death leaves a monumental void in our lives, but in true Barbara fashion, she also leaves us with a lifetime of loving memories to bring us comfort. Barbara is remembered for her kindness and compassion to all who knew her. She made everyone she met feel special. Her smile lit up a room and her hugs made each person feel like everything would be ok. Barbara took great pleasure in celebrating life’s special occasions - big or small - and her friends and family will recall with smiles her affinity for Hallmark cards and handwritten correspondence that captured her genuine care and thoughtful concern. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara’s memory to Peppi’s House Hospice Fund, TMC Healthcare, 5301 Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712 (memo: B. McDermaid); P.E.O. Chapter AW, Attn: Treasurer, 3397 W. Foxes Den Drive, Tucson, AZ 85745 (memo: B. McDermaid PCE); or, the charity of your choice. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date, when family and friends are able to gather together to share stories of her impact on our lives. To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials.