Barbara A. Pohlmann, age 88, of Dover, DE, formerly of Hinsdale, IL, passed away on December 21, 2021 in Wilmington, DE.
Born Barbara Nelson in Miami, FL, she personified elegance and had her own style from a young age. After high school, she worked as a model and was in numerous photo spreads in Miami papers showcasing the latest fashions. She was also in the Orange Bowl court, and all her life retained her fondness for Miami.
But her love for Miami was trumped when she met the love of her life, Harry F. Pohlmann, Jr. on a family vacation to Twin Lakes in the Poconos. Harry’s family had a house on one side of the lake while Barbara’s family was staying in a hotel on the other side. From their first dates, Harry was smitten, and his days as one of the most eligible bachelors were over. He only had eyes for Barbara, and they adored one another for their more than 40 years of marriage. They also adored Twin Lakes and honeymooned there after their wedding in Miami. For all Barbara’s life, it held a special place in her heart.
Barbara followed Harry up north after their marriage and modeled in New York City, including at Bergdorf Goodman. They lived for a time in Princeton where, among other activities, they hosted children from New York’s inner city through the Fresh Air Fund. Barbara enjoyed giving these children opportunities to explore nature. In Princeton, Barbara and Harry raised their beloved Doberman Heidi, who shared their affection for Twin Lakes. Barbara told stories of how Heidi would leap out of the car to run down the lane and jump in the water as soon as they turned off the main road. Barbara and Harry had a wonderful circle of friends in Princeton where Barbara was known as a fabulous hostess and gourmet chef.
Barbara and Harry continued their gracious hospitality when they moved to Chicago, living downtown for several years. While in Chicago, her only child, William, was born, and she shared her energy and passions with him (including cooking). True to her hostess skills, his birthday parties were legendary. She also took courses in fashion illustration at the Art Institute. When the Pohlmann family moved to the Chicago suburbs, Barbara discovered another new talent and embarked on her career as a realtor. With her sense of style and eye for details, she relished helping people find new homes that fit their families.
After William began working and married on the East Coast, Barbara was pulled back especially after her granddaughter, Hannah, was born and Barbara sadly lost Harry. After a second granddaughter, Gwendolyn, was born, the pull of family on the East Coast became too strong. Barbara moved to Dover, DE where she threw herself into her new community. She volunteered with the Church of the Holy Cross, served as a senior representative providing input to the Dover City Council, joined the Elks Club, attended countless performances at the Schwartz Center for the Arts and spent time with her new friends and her family. She enjoyed frequent visits to the Delaware beaches and also traveled with family, including a cruise to Alaska and a Mother’s Day weekend with William at the Grand Canyon.
Barbara was an independent, strong woman with amazing aesthetic sensibilities and attention to detail. Everything she did reflected her signature style, and her care for those around her showed through in these sensitivities to little things, down to how elaborately she wrapped the gifts that she thoughtfully selected. She always loved the joy of Christmas – to the point of even waking up the children when she got up before they did because she was so eager to start the holiday. At Christmas – and always – she will be missed.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Harry and her sister, Elizabeth “Bette” Williams. She is survived by her son, William Nelson Pohlmann and wife Karen, granddaughters Hannah and Gwendolyn, and extended family of nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom she adored.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville, DE, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Interment will be private at a later date.
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