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A Wetzel and Son Obituary for:
Barbara Lamb
July 6, 1931 - May 31, 2022


Public Events and Locations

Visitation - Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Willow Grove United Methodist Church, Willow Grove
Memorial Service - Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 12:00 PM at Willow Grove United Methodist Church, Willow Grove
Graveside Service - Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 2:30 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown
Military Honors - Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 2:30 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown

Contacts

Funeral Home - Wetzel and Son Funeral Home - 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-0911 - Map
Clergy - Willow Grove United Methodist Church - 34 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-3232 - Map
Cemetery - Washington Crossing National Cemetery - 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940 - 800-535-1117 - Map
Family Florist - Domenic Graziano Flowers and Gifts - 60 James Way, Southampton, PA 18966 - 215-355-1550 - Map
Donation - Willow Grove United Methodist Church - 34 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-3232 - Map

The following obituary was composed by Barbara and her family:

Barbara Lamb of Glenside, Pennsylvania died Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Masonic Village at Warminster. She was 90 years old. Barbara was born July 6, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of the late August Bulmer and the late Genevieve Bulmer (nee - Delcher). She is the beloved wife of the late Rodney L. Lamb; mother of Donna Harner and Greg Lamb and his wife Judy; grandmother of Rachel Richards and her husband Bret, Colleen Harner and her husband Eduardo Chanique, Matthew Harner and his husband Chase Skavinsky, Rebecca Schilling and her husband William, and Stephanie Lamb and her fiancee Samuel Reilley; great grandmother of Alyssa Richards, Ava Richards, and Bret Richards III; sister of the late Ann Newberry; aunt of Barbara Ann Newberry and her husband Aaron Gould, Linda Newberry and her husband Mark Norcia, and William Newberry and his wife Terrie.

Barbara lived in Atlantic City, New Jersey as a child before moving to Philadelphia. After graduating from Simon Gratz High School in 1949 and taking some classes at Temple University in the city, Barbara served in the United States Army during the Korean War. She was stationed in San Antonio, TX. and was honorably discharged on December 15, 1952 at rank of Sergeant. She enjoyed drilling her troops and wrote out the following story about her military service:


“THE ARMY CAREER OF BARBARA BULMER

I decided to join the WAACS after a woman army recruiter visited my high school (Simon Gratz/Philadelphia) in 1949. Since I had taken the academic program in H.S. and hadn't a clue what I wanted to do with my life, it seemed like a good idea. The following Sept. I was shipped to Ft. Lee, VA for 13 weeks of basic training I got my first choice to attend Leadership School for an 8 weeks course during which time I learned to teach map reading, physical ed., and drill troops. It was a great experience and could have been a stepping stone for O. C. S. (Officers Candidate School) but I didn't want to become an officer. So, I took an 8 week course called Clerk/Typist School and learned to type 40 words per minute in 8 short weeks. I could have joined a newly forming band but at that point I just wanted to get out of Ft. Lee so was glad when they sent me to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. It was fun to ride the train and sleep on it overnight.

Worked in a film library for the rest of my time in the service. We showed previews, fixed damaged films, and sent out copies to various facilities in Texas and Okla. It was my job to book these copies to be sent out. During my service time I took tests along with my male counterparts and made the grade of Sgt.

San Antonio was a great place to be stationed because of all the cultural activities. The army "volunteered" us to be part of the may fiestas and parades held there. The Mexican influence was very apparent and colorful. The kids were wearing blue jeans to school we noticed... seemed funny to us since it wasn't happening up north. Texas will always be a part of me... I miss the long summer weather and the beautiful sunsets. Hope to get down there again one day and show Rod what a great place it is. I still write to a few people I met there including my civilian boss who still lives in San Antonio.

The army "extended" my 3 years by 6 months because of Korea, but actually discharged me at Christmastime in 1952. Oh yes, I almost forgot to say how I was able to come home on leave. Since there were 2 air bases in the area, you could wear army slacks for comfort and go to Lackland AFB to “hitch” a ride on a plane going to or near your destination. It was free and rather an exciting adventure. I never had to pay to get home, except for a short bus trip from a base outside Phila. Them were the days!!!

P.S. Since I was only 18 my parents had to sign for me and they were proud to do so. Mom managed to visit me in VA and TX several times. Basic training was tough but fun too since we were all "in it together." What was it like to clean the barracks, march, do K. P.? Just read Beetle Bailey for a few clues.”


Barbara met Rodney Lamb at Wagner’s Ballroom in Philadelphia in 1957. They dated for 5 months and were married on October 5, 1957. She and Rod lived in an apartment in Elkins Park, PA, where they saved for their home on Penn Avenue in Ardsley. Once her children came along, Barbara was a stay-at-home mom and worked evenings selling Dutch Maid clothing. She later worked at Beaver College for 17 years (now Arcadia University) and retired from there.

In addition to her military experiences Barbara also played the saxophone in several local bands: Tri-County Band, Society Music Makers, and The Old Comrades. She adored her cats, Tabby, Bandit, Misty and Shadow. She enjoyed vacationing at the shore with Rod, Donna, Greg and their families. As a result of Rod’s insistence on installing a swimming pool in their back yard, Barbara was a very gracious hostess for numerous family and friend gatherings throughout the years. She was well-known for her delicious homemade cole slaw and beef barbecue. Some of the family’s fondest memories include playing cards, RummyCube, and Pass the Pigs, making Christmas cookies, and, of course, her wonderful sense of humor. She attended her grandchildren’s band and orchestra concerts throughout grade school and we attended her Tru-County Band holiday concerts.

Barbara and Rod loved to travel and take cruises, often with their friends. They visited Canada, Alaska, California, Washington, Tennessee, and up and down the East Coast. They loved taking their pop-up camper, and later their camper-van, to various campgrounds around the country. Her two favorite vacations were to Hawaii, where she and Rod celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007.

Relatives and friends were invited to her visitation on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 11:00 A.M. and memorial service at 12:00 P.M. at Willow Grove United Methodist Church, 34 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. Her graveside service followed with military honors rendered by the United States Army at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Rod was buried with Barbara on the same day.

Religious services were conducted by Rev. Lorelei Toombs, pastor of Willow Grove United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Willow Grove United Methodist Church, 34 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090.

Family flowers arranged by Domenic Graziano Flowers and Gifts 215-355-1550.

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