Dr. Barbara Mae Atwood, 87, of Rockford died Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Wesley Willows. Born Oct. 31, 1920, in Rockford, the daughter of Seth B. and Helen Mae (Glanville) Atwood. She graduated from Stanford University in 1942 and Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, New York in 1958. She received her Ph.D. and worked as a clinical counselor at the University of Illinois and Cornell University. Barbara founded the Dr. Barbara Mae Atwood Animal Foundation in 1971, which ran a shelter and hospital for animals in the 1970s and early 1980s. Her primary concern was the humane care for animals. She was also interested in conservation. For her work in prairie preservation and gifts to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, she was awarded the Seth B. Atwood Memorial Park and Conservation Service Award by the Rockford Park District and Winnebago County Forest Preserve District in 1991. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Barbara is survived by her brother, Seth G. Atwood of Rockford; nephews, Seth L. (Connie) Atwood of Boulder City, Nev., and Bruce T. (Patricia) Atwood of Rockford; niece, Diane (Paul J.) Atwood Reilly of Chicago; and seven great-nephews and great-nieces.
Private graveside services will be held in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, with Chaplain Brian Kenney of Wesley Willows officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara’s name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services Ltd., 1001 Second Ave. To send a private condolence, visit olsonfh.com. Published in the rrstar.com from 7/14/2008 - 7/20/2008
[S5] Find A Grave, → Memorial ID 28380077.