Barbara McFarland

Barbara McFarland passed away on August 16, 2023, after a brief fight with pancreatic cancer. She died peacefully, in her own home and surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 22, 1939, to Edwin and Gertrude “Trudy” Pangburn, in Evanston, Ill., Barbara grew up alternating between Evanston (October to May) and her family’s resort in Manitowish Waters (May to October). Her father passed along a love of horses, a passion she later shared with her children and grandchildren. Through her mother, Barbara inherited the joy of artistic expression. Barbara’s creative talent emerged early in life, and art ultimately became the primary medium through which she viewed and interpreted the world.

Barbara met her future husband, John McFarland, in second grade. On July 30, 1957, they began a partnership with one another that lasted sixty-six years, until Barbara’s passing. Together, they raised three children, navigated the cranberry-growing industry, started two innovative retail businesses, and pursued artistic endeavors, including as two of the founding members of the Manitowish Waters Art League. Each was the other’s north star and greatest fan. Barbara and John shared a wanderlust which led to a lifetime of travel, adventure and exploration. They loved skiing in Aspen and spent part of each year on Nevis, a beautiful island in the Caribbean, for nearly 30 years. Barbara loved sharing stories about serendipitous events that happened during their travels, such as when she and John dined with Sidney Poitier and Arnold Schwarzenegger (minor detail: same restaurant, different tables).

Later in life, Barbara expanded her community volunteer activities to serve on the board of the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. This work combined her passion for nature and her desire to help steward a valuable community resource.

While Barbara treasured her many adventures, friendships, art, and community service, her greatest and proudest achievement was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband John McFarland, her children Chris McFarland (Kathleen Kvern), Brent McFarland (Frances Whitfield), and Cestjon McFarland (Tom Goodlin), 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, John E. and June McFarland, as well as numerous beloved pets.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 16 th at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the North Lakeland Discovery Center or the Manito Art League Barbara McFarland Scholarship Fund. Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.