Barbara Lieberman

With the deepest of sadness, our ever so loved, Barbara (Hunter) Lieberman, 70, of Portsmouth, RI passed away on the 2nd of February, 2025. After she battled pancreatic cancer for 18 months, she passed peacefully at home with family by her side. Barbara had an unconventional life, but a beautiful one and one worth telling about. She attended Thompson Junior High school where she discovered her love for gymnastics and met her husband, Harvey, later marrying in 1975. She continued on with her love of gymnastics and later became active in cheerleading when she attended Roger’s high school. One of her proudest moments was winning first place in an all New England Gymnastics meet. This was just the beginning of her dedication towards her passions over the years; whether it was in her hobbies, her family, or her career. She had her first child, Ogmios, in 1971. She had her second son, Collin, in 1982 and not long after, her final child, her daughter Jenna, in 1983. She loved her children unconditionally and with every piece of her heart. She was a wonderful mother and an even better grandmother. In 2001 came Barbara’s first grandchild, Summer. Barbara chose to be called after her own grandmother who she endearingly called Nanny. She strove to be as loving of a Nanny as her own Nanny was to her. She was more of a second mother to Summer as she helped raise her, being there from the moment she took her first breath. Several years later in 2008 Barbara’s second grandchild, Tara, was born and in 2011 her first grandson, Alex was born. There was no greater joy for her than to be around newborn babies again and to have more grandchildren. After many years of hoping and dreaming, her final grandchild, Asher, came along in 2023. Asher brought his Nanny a whole new sense of joy and purpose in her final year of life. She was his favorite person and it was a blessing that they were able to have that time together. In addition to being a wonderful mother and grandmother, Barbara was also a registered nurse. She attended CCRI for her nursing degree and graduated at the top of her class. For Barbara, being such a compassionate and loving person, it was only natural that in her nursing career she was drawn to geriatric psyche nursing as her specialty. She worked with some of the most challenging patients, but ones with the most need of patience and gentle care. In a way, caring for others was her way to care for herself. After her retirement from nursing, she continued to find her passion and purpose in showing that love to her husband, children, and grandchildren as she selflessly cared for them all and provide unconditional support. She also cared for her elderly mother for several years. Beyond her family, her boundless love and nurturing went into her incredible garden. The magic of her garden took everyone’s breath away. She had 2 green thumbs with her innate knowledge of how to bring nature to life around her. We impatiently await seeing her garden come to life again as we enter into the spring and are able to behold parts of her spirit left behind. Barbara was born in Newport, RI as the daughter of the late Michael R Hunter and recently departed Helen B Hunter. Barbara is survived by her husband Harvey Lieberman, her sons Ogmios Lieberman and Collin Lieberman, and her daughter Jenna Lieberman; her adoring grandchildren, Summer Lieberman, Tara Lieberman, Alex Lieberman, and Asher Lieberman; her brothers Patt Jakk, and James Hunter; as well as many cousins and friends. She will also be missed dearly by her cousin and lifelong friend Barbara Ashton who helped to comfort her and provide many laughs during her final months. In addition, Barbara leaves behind her beloved cats, Greysun, Luna, and Mojo being cared for now by her family. As Barbara was so giving and always gave to local cat rescues and animal shelters, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal rescue in her honor. With all of this said, there are no words that can truly express how deep our sadness is felt. There is a void that can never be filled. The world lost a beautiful and magical soul. However, we will continue to find ways to let her spirit live on in our lives and in our hearts. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the spring.

Barbara Lieberman

February 2, 2025