Last week, the Owl was informed of the passing of Barbara Elmes, resident, photographer and volunteer for the town of Weston. Barbara seemed ageless and dauntless–the fact is that she was 88 years old. Her friends and community members can take solace in the news that the illness was brief, and she was surrounded by family when she passed. For more details on Barbara, please read this obituary at Legacy.com.

When I first met Barbara, she was taking photos at the Greek Orthodox Church on Brown Street. I admit that I did not actually meet Barbara that day because I had to whisk the 8-year old owlets out of there before photos were taken of the minotaur one owlet had crayoned over the cross or maybe it was Mary. But I did watch as she worked her way through the tables, taking photos, noting names carefully into her small notebook. She was all about the details–as you all know from reading this page, I am not. Earlier this year, with a nod to Barbara, the Owl featured its first Pickup Issue.

Many events could count on the calming, graceful presence of Barbara. I ran into her several times on the town green, a few times at Bros (I never carry a purse so that edition was not mine) and generally about town. I am sorry now that we will not count on her presence and her photos at upcoming celebrations, including of the rennaissance (yes, the Wes-saissance) of the town she loved for sixty years. Who will take on the documentation of daily life in Weston? Unanswerable.

Rest in peace, Barbara. I know that you will be busily taking photos and noting names there at the pearly gates.

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Memorial information: A memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at the First Parish Church, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston, where Barbara was a member and an active volunteer for over 50 years. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Linwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical Center, or the charity of one’s choice.