Sept. 28, 1920 – Aug. 14, 2011
The Cathedral Village community in Pennsylvania was saddened to learn of the passing of Barbara Pierce Clement early on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 14, the night of a full moon. She was encircled by loving family and slipped away very peacefully in her room in Bishop White Lodge, surrounded by her favorite art, family photographs and icons. Her room overlooked the greenhouse and resident gardens, which have been busy with birds, butterflies and gardeners, with a view of St. Mary’s Church in the distance.
Barbara grew up in Milton, Mass., and attended Milton Academy. Through the Experiment in International Living she traveled to Peru and also spent a summer in pre-war Germany. After graduating from Milton Academy, she studied art for a year in Florence, Italy, and then attended Harvard Architectural School for three years.
In 1943 she married Dr. Stephen M. Clement from Buffalo, N.Y., whom she met while he was attending Harvard Medical School. Barbara and Stephen lived in Buffalo for many years, raising their three children: Stephen, Tina and Margot. In addition to being a loving mother and socially active homemaker, Barbara became very involved as a social services volunteer, reaching out to underprivileged populations, most especially women’s programs.
After practicing psychiatry for many years, Barbara’s husband decided to retire, and the couple moved to Tryon, enjoying the mountain views and good climate. Barbara designed the house they lived in. She remained active in community activities and took on leadership roles in the Tryon Garden Club, Lanier Library, Great Books, Antique Club and the Congregational Church. She and Stephen were inducted into the “Second Wind Hall of Fame” for “exemplary community involvement and outstanding accomplishments since retirement.”
Barbara continued to travel and also enjoy visits from her adult children, and relished being a grandmother to their four grandchildren: Gordon, Bessie, Ted and Winston. Her husband died suddenly in 1995.
Barbara moved to Cathedral Village in Pennsylvania in November 2000 to be closer to her daughter, Margot Clark, who lives with her family in Wyndmoor, Pa. Knowing not a soul at Cathedral Village, Barbara reached out to others and soon was organizing dinner gatherings and welcoming other new arrivals. She became very active at the prescription desk and also became the head of the annual New Year’s Eve party. She thrived in the community and took advantage of all the enriching  programs, including the college courses, art classes, concerts, trips and exercise classes. She attended St. Mary’s Church religiously, even in inclement weather, and found great comfort and beauty in that sanctuary.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, inclusiveness and her love of color, beauty and celebration of life.
A memorial service at St. Mary’s Church (630 East Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128) is planned for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow in the parish hall.