Barbara Esther Pomeranz

Barbara Pomeranz passed away on April 30, 2021 at the age of 72.

Barbara was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 21st 1948 to the late Abraham and Sarah Pomeranz.  She graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend in 1966 and Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Master of Science degree in Adult Education.  Following graduation, the majority of her employment experience centered on education.  Barbara worked with Senior Citizens, students in college, women returning to college, students in GED programs and preschoolers. In addition, for many years, she tutored adults in a literacy program and started a women’s investment group.

Barbara loved Indiana History and to this end taught it at the Indianapolis Senior Center where she was employed as Director of Services and Education for over 28 years.  In addition she was a volunteer tour guide at the Benjamin Harrison Center and Indiana Landmarks for several years.

Barbara’s family has always been a very important part of her life.  She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Diane Pomeranz, her significant other David Keeler, her three nieces Amy Pomeranz Essley (Eric), Laura Michelle Crum (Brian) and Heather Brooke Taylor (Ron), four grandnieces, and three grand nephews.

There will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Indiana University Health Hospice and Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary and Cremation Service. A website (www.arnmortuary.com) is available to share condolences with Barbara’s family, make contributions to the Jewish Federation , Wheeler Mission or the Indianapolis Humane Society and to read a letter Barbara wrote for family and friends.

Letter from Barbara:

Dear Family and Friends,

Each of you have touched my life at different times and in various ways.  Thank you for being in my life and giving me so many special memorable moments.

Since my cancer diagnosis in July 2019, I have been trying to live each day in a meaningful and productive way.  These words, I have tried to follow my entire life, were eloquently expressed by a Jewish scholar:

“Let us treasure the time we have and resolve to use it well; counting each moment precious, a chance to comprehend some truth, to experience some beauty, to conquer some evil, to ease some suffering, to love and be loved….”  My hope is that you find these words as meaningful as I have.

I often felt that I should be better than I am.  To reach lofty goals that would lift up the lives of many.  I now know you don’t have to feel diminished if you did not win awards, develop a plan to improve mankind or discover a cure that would eliminate the suffering in this world.  I have learned there is also value in being a loving and caring friend and family member.  For me it’s been important to know who I am realistically and live my life proud to be that person. I hope each of you have pride in who you are, because you have earned it!

Everyone has low points and difficult times in their lives.  It may feel like you are in an abyss and will never get out.  I have had that feeling.  In my early 30s I was diagnosed with a mental illness known as Bipolar Disorder; though I suffered with my condition for many years prior to the diagnosis. I was treated by numerous therapists and was prescribed a variety of medications, none of which were effective.  It was not until I was in my mid 50s that I worked with a therapist and was prescribed medication that made a positive and substantial difference in my life.  Since that time I have been eternally grateful for the positive impact that this had on my life.  I was able to get out of my abyss.  I have sincerely believed in most instances, no matter what the crisis in your life, with the support from others and your own fortitude, you can live a valued and meaningful life. I hope you always feel there is a way out of life’s lowest points.

As I have shared, you have meaningfully touched my life at different times and in various ways.  I truly hope that you will remember some of those moments that we shared together.  I also hope that you know the joy I have experienced having you in my life. I wish you joy, peace and love and I hope that my life lessons will have meaning and value for you.

With love,

Barbara

A Childhood Prayer:

The following prayer was chosen by my Mother, Sarah Pomeranz, for my brother and me to recite every night when we were children.

I often recite it to myself now. My goal has been that I not only say the words, but make every effort to incorporate its message into my life.  My hope is that you also find meaning in this prayer.

A Childhood Prayer

Teach me father when I pray

Not to ask for more,

But rather to be thankful for what’s at the door

For food and drink and gentle rain and

Sunny skies above

For home and friends and peace and joy

And, most of all, for LOVE.

Amen