August 2, 1940 to July 14, 2024
Barbara was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to her loving parents John and Jean Bromer who raised her along with her three brothers. She graduated from Westport High School and then studied English at Brown University. In 1965, she married Johan van Achterberg, an immigrant from the Netherlands. She gave birth to her son Johan (Jay) in 1969 and daughter Margriet (Meg) in 1971. The family settled in Easton, CT, where they built a house with their own labor and raised their children, started an organic farm, and made many friends. At the age of 50, Barbara “finally realized what I wanted to be when I grew up,” completing a master’s degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. She worked the next 20 years as a reference librarian at the Bethel, CT, Public Library.
Barbara was a generous and hospitable woman. Traveling and exploring with her family members, whether to Florida or even Europe, was always enjoyable for everyone. She was passionate about the environment, adopting solar panels in the 1970s and stewarding the land. She loved gardening and was an active member of the North American Rock Garden Society. She was a member of the Easton Congregational Church and ran their soup kitchen, and later joined the Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron. She cared deeply about the education of her children and many grandchildren. An avid reader, Barbara often participated in group book discussions and was a lifelong learner who gained a great depth of knowledge of many subjects. She had an adventurous, “never stay still for long” personality and was always enthusiastic to join in whenever there was fun to be had.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Johan and her brother David Michael. Barbara is survived by her son Jay (Crystal) van Achterberg, her daughter Meg (Ariel Sabar), her brothers John (Gail) Bromer and Jim Bromer, 13 adored grandchildren, 5 delightful great grandchildren, many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, her devoted dog Kayla, and many friends from a wide range of interests and activities.
A memorial service will be held at Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron, CT on August 31 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron, CT.
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