Barbara,
You were our favorite golden girl and mentor during my ripe, young days at MDCPS. I remember being so intimidated that Barbara O'Neil...a well known, very serious and professional assistant of the higher ups was going to be our direct assistant. Boy, was my impression of you so wrong, in such a good way! You were the FUNNIEST collegue and THE BEST mentor to us. You were the highlight of our days and you filled the room with such laughter. Among the work, projects, and busy days...you always managed to have time for a good prank and a good laugh. I will never forget the staff meetings where we plotted things like pretending to fake blow dry our hair in the middle of a staff meeting....or the time you switched shoes with Sam to prank me in the bathroom....or the time you and Sam sent me flowers from an anonymous admirer to make a certain fellow jealous. You were such a beacon of light every day. Get togethers after your retirement were a gift as well. I never forget the time we went shopping at Target and somehow broke what we thought was a stool by simply sitting on it. We laughed so hard. The days in between seeing each other were many, but the moment we got together it was like we saw each other at work the day before.
It was an honor to know you, and I imagine you in heaven making the angels laugh with every shenanigan you could possibly come up with! George must be happily shaking his head at your arrival. Keep dancing to Mamma Mia! I will remember you every time I watch it or hear the sound track. Rest easy. ❤️
Marcelle Suarez
