Barbara Ewen

Barbara Michelle Ewen “Barbie”, age 40, of Neenah, passed away on February 17, 2017, at home, surrounded by her family after a lifelong illness.  She was born July 12, 1976, in Waco, Texas, to John and Kathleen (Gallagher) Ewen.  She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends.  While Barbie had several limitations related to her disease, she touched many hearts during her life.  Barbie's external frailty hid quiet perseverance and strength.  She was a fighter!  Barbie was a gentle and pure soul who blessed those around her simply by being.  Finally, our Lord called her home.

She loved the life she had – getting cozy in a favorite recliner, listening to music and the taste of birthday cake on her tongue.  Her greatest pleasure was resting in a hammock on a sunny day.  While she could not often fully participate in the activities around her, she was always an important part of them.

Barbie is survived by her maternal grandmother, Mary Gallagher of New York; her parents; her sisters: Mary Beth Ewen (James) Smith, of Maryland, Jennifer Ewen (Benjamin) Frank of Neenah; her brother, Joseph Ewen, of Neenah; and her nieces: Natalie, Rachel and Kaelie; and nephews: Josh and Caleb.  She is also survived by a loving circle of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Barbie is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Charles Gallagher; her paternal grandparents, Edgar and Eleanor Ewen; her maternal uncle, Michael Gallagher; and her paternal aunt, Helen Gallagher.

Barbie's parents wish to thank the numerous caregivers that have blessed her over that last several years.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Rd., Neenah.  The visitation will be held on Tuesday at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and again at the church on Wednesday from Noon until the hour of service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Bancorp South, for Benefit of United MSD Foundation, PO Box 929, Ocean Springs, MS 39566-9982.

You have turned my mourning into dancing, You have stripped off my sackcloth and wrapped me in gladness: and now my heart, silent no longer, will play you music. Yahweh, my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:11.

While Barbie is no longer present with us on this earth, we look forward to the time when we will reunite with her in the presence of Our Lord.