Barbara J. (Crouse) Westcott, July 16, 1948 – December 30, 2021. Barbara was survived by her husband of 51 years, Captain Richard E. Westcott (Class ’70, 11th Co). Also surviving her was daughter Kara A. Lenart, her son-in-law Dennis Lenart, grand-daughter Emily and grand-son Matthew. After a 5 year struggle with the neurological disease PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) she endured the march to the inevitable completion.
Barb grew up as a single child in the rural town of Marion, PA, graduating from Chambersburg Senior High with a business emphasis (Class of ’66). She started her working career by taking a job in the Wilson College cafeteria. With a wanting to see more in life she headed to Washington D. C. where she enrolled at Strayer College earning an associate degree. Not only did she meet some life-long friends, but also saw realities of life as her bus to the college went right through some of the worst rioting down 14th St. in 1968.
After graduating she chose to stay in the capitol area taking a job as a legal secretary with the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Section. She also got the feel of travel as she augmented the Section’s Strike Forces in various cities.
In the Spring of 1969 Barb visited Annapolis, home of the United States Naval Academy, with members of her sorority. There she met a Midshipman, Rick Westcott, who offered to take her sailing the next day. She said Yes and the next 52 years were set in motion.
In the summer of 1970, Rick graduated from the Academy and headed into 28 years of the Submarine service. Barb married Rick that summer in Greencastle, PA, just south of hometown Marion. Four of Rick’s classmates formed the traditional Arch of Swords which gives a symbolic pledge of loyalty to the newly married couple from their new naval family.
Fifteen moves would ensue Barb and Rick as the Navy had needs in many places. She made the best out of all of them. While stationed in Hawaii, Barb gave birth to Kara Ann in the Kapiolani Hospital. When in Idaho Falls, she traveled out in the desert for a position at Argonne National Labs.
The moves provided many opportunities for morphing among job specialties as well as environments. In Groton, CT she worked as a legal secretary for a lawyer that specialized in real estate. In San Diego she worked for a corporate Realtor. At St Mary’s, GA, she earned a license as a Realtor.
As Rick’s naval career ended with his retirement and release to the civilian life, Barb and Rick had a decision on where to put their feet down. Kara still had another year in college to graduate, Rick had a job offer from the local nuclear facility, and Barb was fully integrated into the realty community, both socially and intellectually. They chose right where they were, Omaha, NE. Besides, it was half-way between wine country and Mother “B.”
She made the best of her new hometown. She was a Deacon for Caregiving at her church, a member of the social New Neighbors (Mahjong, Bunco night, Dinner club) and the educational support PEO sisterhood.
Barb’s interment will be in the Omaha National Cemetery. Rick will join her when his time has come.
Updated: March 17, 2022
Curator: Ed Moore