Barbara Remsberg Gwinn

Barbara Remsberg Gwinn, 83, of Frederick, Maryland, peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on October 23, 2017.

Barbara was born on her parent’s farm “The Merry Midnight”, in Lander, Maryland on January 14, 1934.   She was the daughter of Alice Naomi Gross Remsberg and Norman Sebastian Remsberg.   Barbara attended Jefferson Elementary School, Elm Street School and graduated from Frederick High School in 1952. Barbara married Ralph D. Brown, Jr. on December 11, 1953.   She was a typist at N.C. Cramer Insurance Company and then Fort Detrick as a secretary in the Comptroller’s Office, where she learned to keep books. Barbara married her second husband Darrel D. Gwinn on June 21, 1965.  Barbara continued to work at Fort Detrick while she also kept the books for Martins Shoe Store.   In 1970, Barbara went to work for Hydro-Aire, Inc. as a self-described “Girl Friday”.   She retired in 1996, after 26 years of service.

In her younger days Barbara was a member of the Jefferson Girls and Boys 4H Club and showed Holstein cows at the Great Frederick Fair, when her favorite activities were attending church picnics at Braddock Heights Park and visiting her aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was a long-time member of the Jefferson Grange and recently the Crestwood Village “Folktime Strummers”.  She was a faithful lifetime member of the Jefferson United Church of Christ.  She served on the consistory board, added her beautiful alto voice to the choir, and served as the church Bake Table Co-chair. She was known for her cherry pies.   Barbara loved to dance, sing, play 500 and have any type of party.  Barbara greatly enjoyed time with her family and friends, including her time spent along the Potomac River at “Allen’s Wonderland”.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband Darrel, sister Betty R. Grove and brother-in-law Richard.

Barbara is survived by three daughters; Carol J. Custer and husband Tommy of Rosemont; Cheryl B. Smith and companion Stephen Thompson of Frederick; and Michelle G. Giglio and husband Louis of Columbia.  Barbara also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren; Philip B. Custer and wife Lisa of Akron, OH; Scott A. Custer of Durham, NC; Tara L. Custer of Baltimore; and Nicole G. Giglio of Columbia.  Also surviving is a sister, Doris J. Ifert and brother-in-law David of Jefferson, MD.  Several nieces and nephews, as well as many good friends, are also left to mourn her loss.