Barbara Anne (Meier) Armendariz of Denver, Colorado died on February 5, 2024 after a 6-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 24, 1941. Barbara was the first of four children born to John and Margaret Meier. She grew up in Chicago and lived there for her first 51 years.  After graduating from high school Barbara married John Armendariz, also from Chicago, and they had 5 children: Mark Armendariz (Husband-David Fox) of Chicago, Cynthia Armendariz-Maxwell most recently of Denver, Shawn Armendariz (partner-Jack Oswald), of Steger IL, Raul Armendariz, of Queens, NY, and Andre Armendariz (Wife-Christina) of Maitland FL. Barbara and John later divorced.

Barbara has 7 grandchildren-Emily Maxwell, Aiden Maxwell, Jack Armendariz, Elly Armendariz, Bernardo Armendariz, John Armendariz, and Sophia Armendariz.

In 1992 Barbara moved to Denver to join her partner Lynn Maedel, and they later married in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2010.

Barbara worked in the Compensation Department at Loyola University in Chicago, then completed a bachelor's degree in psychology from Loyola. Later she worked as a secretary and receptionist at the Doyle Counseling Center at Loyola. It was in this position that she came to know that she wanted to pursue a career in social work, so she completed a second degree, a master's in social work (MSW) also from Loyola in 1990.

Barbara worked as a psychotherapist for 2 mental health agencies in the Denver area gaining valuable experience, before taking and passing the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) exam. As an LCSW, Barbara was able to begin her private practice as a psychotherapist. She loved helping people and   enjoyed her private practice for almost 25 years.  Barbara volunteered her counseling services following the tragic shooting at Columbine High School.

Barbara and Lynn rehabbed 2 homes and designed their gardens, patios and outdoor living spaces, a passion they shared.  Barbara loved gardening so much that she was the co-chair of the Park Hill Garden Walk for several years. These experiences led her to study to become a Master Gardener through the Colorado State University Extension Service.

Barbara's other hobbies included reading, hiking in the Colorado mountains and travel. She enjoyed many wonderful adventures to Alaska, western Canada, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru and Machu Picchu. She and Lynn traveled to Italy, France, Holland and Ireland in Europe, and numerous locations in Mexico and the United States. She loved gathering with friends, enjoyed wine and good food. Barbara was full of fun with a wonderful laugh and had a kind spirit. Barbara was also civicly engaged, actively campaigning for individuals and issues important to her.

Barbara is survived by her wife, Lynn Maedel and by her sister, Cassandra Hagg (Husband, Bill) of Sun City, AZ, and her brother, Rick Meier (Wife, Amy) of Hartland, WI and all of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother John (Jack) Meier.

Please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association , the Seniors Resource Center , or a charitable organization of your choice.

A celebration of Barbara's life is planned for the summer in 2024.