Barbara Knef Gorman
September 2, 1951 ~ April 15, 2017
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Barbara Knef Gorman, 65, went home to be with her Lord, Saturday, April 15, 2017, at the CarePartners Solace Hospice Center, after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Barbara was born September 2, 1951, in Neptune, NJ, the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Petra Knef. She grew up in Brielle, New Jersey and was also a former resident of Ohio and Connecticut. She loved being close to the ocean and was always involved in sports, swimming, ice skating and girl scouts. She still remained close to many friends in New Jersey and Ohio. Barbara graduated from Perkins High School, Sandusky, OH, in 1969 and attended Ohio University for two years, graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with honors.
Barbara was a longtime member of Arden Presbyterian Church, serving from 1998 until 2006 as a library volunteer, then Librarian and the Pastoral Secretary from 2006 until 2015. Barbara was passionate about getting to know others, helping, caring, loving and reaching out. Her hobbies included gardening, interior decorating, exercise and reading.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 37 years, Tom Gorman; a brother, Peter (Joan) Knef; brother-in-law, Jim (Jackie) Gorman; step-daughter, Missy Martin; grandsons, Calvin, Colman and Clayton and a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday at Arden Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Arden Presbyterian Church Missions Fund, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Tom:
Barbara is in heaven with her Lord and Savior.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dearl and Carol Wallen
The thing that stands out most to me about Aunt Barb (and Uncle Tom as well for that matter) is her consistent and genuine kindness towards others. She will be missed. Tom, you are in our thoughts and prayers
Tom: To know Barb was to know joy. She showed and lived God’s love every day of her life. My thoughts are with you, and I pray for the comfort of God’s love to surround you.
Tom, Praying for you at this difficult time. Barbara’s smile was always present, and she was a good friend to me when I worked at APC in Children’s Ministries. I loved having an office across the hall from her and our lunch dates. Sending a hug from Colorado and knowing she will be missed by many.
Tom, I am covering you in prayer today and will be in the coming days. Our loss was absolutely heaven’s gain. Thanking God for His gift of Grace and the sure knowledge that you will be reunited with your beloved Barbara one day in heaven. Just for a moment she stands out of your sight. What a beautiful legacy she has left for those of us who were fortunate enough to call her ‘friend’. Sending you a big Texas size hug today! Sorry I could not be there.
To the family of Barb: Spent 2 years with her and many fun times at Ohio University. Wonderful person. So sorry for your loss.
Tom, I am devastated to hear of your loss. I think of you two often and all the good times. I know how close you both were and can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Barbara was truly one of a kind. Always warm and welcoming to everyone.
Vito Marcaccio