| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 25, 2020 |
| About | Barbara Jane Myrom passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, November 25th. She left the world a more beautiful place than she found it – sprinkled with her passion, intelligence, sincerity, creativity, humor and smiles; music and artwork. Barbara is survived by her son and grandchildren, Minnetonka MN and Cedar Park TX; three sisters, a sister-in-law, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is survived by many good friends insanta Rose including Geoff Picton, Cindi Soliz, Dorothy Schwartzberg and Ellie Bortoff. Barbara is preceded in death by her life partner Ben Stanley; parents Art and Olga Myrom of Sauk Centre MN, and her brother, Ronald C. Myrom MD of West Union IA. Barbara was born October 22, 1945 in Long Prairie MN, the third of five children. She grew up in Sauk Rapids MN and Sauk Centre MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and maintained her spiritual commitment throughout her life. Barbara played French horn in the High School band, and among other honors, was selected for the cheerleading and dance squad. Barbara graduated from Sauk Centre High School and earned a B.A. degree in Studio Arts and Business from Concordia College, Moorhead MN. She later completed graduate work in Special Education at San Francisco State University which led to her eventual work in creative arts therapy. Prior to moving to her beloved California, Barbara taught Studio Arts and Business at Princeton Senior High School in Princeton MN. In the early 70s, she launched her business career in San Francisco at Lockheed Martin where she developed training materials and taught classes for WANG word processing systems. She became a manager at Lockheed. Barbara later was employed as Manager, Commercial Proprietary Products, at Deterline Corporation in Palo Alto. Barbara founded her first business, Tech Connections – Computer Applications & Training in Menlo Park CA, and studied to become a Certified Swedish Therapeutic Massage Practitioner. She co-founded Wellness Enterprises, Inc. in Menlo Park. Barbara served as Adjunct Faculty, Studio Arts at Santa Rosa Junior College. Barbara was a fine pianist, guitarist, singer and songwriter. She performed piano/songs and led musical groups and group-sings in various venues. Barbara inspired and mentored the musical career of a nephew who became a working jazz pianist and teacher in New York City. Throughout her lifetime, Barbara was a productive artist working in watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, oils, pastels, and sculpture. For two seasons, she sketched portraits for the public at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Barbara’s beautiful paintings and drawings - framed, on calendars or on cards - were sold at San Francisco area Art Shows and Galleries and given to friends and family. A memorial service for Barbara has been held on Zoom. Later this year (2021) Barbara will be laid to rest in an informal ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre MN. Here are lyrics for a signature song that Barbara wrote and performed: MINNESOTA SUNRISE Days behind me Still you find me In this land so far away from my childhood I can hear you Calling softly With a message meant for me from my home. Minnesota sunrise November morning Though I’m many years from home I still see you A frozen skyline Another lifetime In that Minnesota sunrise of my home. There’s a fire In the season Winter’s comin’ on, it’ll be a long, long time ‘til the Spring Melts the snow down And the leaves grow green once again. There’s a healing I’ve been needing It’s a feeling that I know from my childhood So I’m leaving With the morning For that Minnesota sunrise and my home. 1987 Barbara Myrom |
