Barbara Jeanne Bash Thierwechter

Barbara Jeanne Thierwechter, 102, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023, with her loving family present. Born in Toledo to her late parents, Harold and Minnette (Elmer) Bash, she grew up alongside her two siblings. Upon graduating from DeVilbiss in 1939, Barb furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Toledo in 1943. Showing her adventurous side, she moved to Los Angeles with some girlfriends after graduation. She soon found a job in the film and animation department of the U.S Army as an assistant for Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Returning to Toledo when her mother fell ill, she met her future husband, Douglas Thierwechter, on a blind date. They married in March of 1945 when Doug was home on leave from the U.S. Army Air Corps. Embracing the roll of a full-time homemaker, she was a great hostess and cook who knew how to make every event and holiday special. Together she and Douglas raised three daughters and enjoyed their life together until his passing in 1979.

Barbara had many interests and lived a full and rewarding life, enhanced by her deep love of books, art, history, language and culture. A true Francophile, Paris was her favorite destination. She traveled widely from Cuba to Europe, Russia and China, often by cruise ship and accompanied by family members. She introduced her granddaughters to the fascinating world that travel can offer, taking one to Egypt and another to Italy. Her daughters and granddaughters will never step into an art museum or look at a treasured family antique without thinking of their beloved “Baba”.

She was active in the Toledo community serving as a Toledo Museum of Art Ambassador and an art museum docent. She also volunteered for the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood and other service organizations.

Barbara was a valued friend to her large circle of friends and often a second mother to her daughters’ friends. She maintained many long-term friendships, including her dear friends Marie Bollinger Vogt and Nancy Hummer. Her smile truly lit up the room and even strangers took notice. The staff at Elizabeth Scott Community in Maumee, where she spent her last days, adored her. She was a model of how to live a long and happy life. She will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Beverly Thierwechter, Jacalyn Thierwechter, Jeanne (Mark) Acerni; grandchildren, Alexandria Acerni, Victoria (Jesse) Acerni-Tomalewski, Andrew (Julie) Rotherham, Jessica (Jon) Bernstein; great grandchildren, Claudia Coyne, Sylvia Tomalewski, Elizabeth Rotherham, Susan Rotherham, Rachel Bernstein, Miriam Bernstein; niece, Cindy Francisco; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Douglas Thierwechter, siblings, David (Jean) Bash, Vivien Bash; brother in-law, Emery Thierwechter; dear sister in-law and brother-in-law, Margaret and Robert Kilmer.

Friends and family are welcome to visit at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. A graveside service will follow on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held sometime next year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or the Toledo Museum of Art in Barbara’s memory. Condolences can be sent at walkerfuneralhomes.com