Barbara Jane Wasson Thulin

Barbara Jane Wasson Thulin Born in Harrisburg, Illinois in 1926, she had two sisters Olive and Carolyn. Barbara graduated from high school in Chicago, Illinois at Ferry Hall. She received her bachelor's degree in Zoology at Northwestern University. She then moved to Denver and enrolled at University of Colorado Medical School and graduated in 1953, specializing in Neurology. Married in 1952, she had three children: Lauren, Lucy and Andrew. She practiced medicine and lived in Denver the rest of her life; in 1968 built a home in Greenwood Village. Barbara was active in women's organizations including, Planned Parenthood, Colorado National Organization of Women, and Women's American Medical Association. From an early age she enjoyed sailing, competing in races at the White Lake Yacht Club in Michigan. She also enjoyed music; she played the violin, and supported the Colorado Symphony, the San Francisco/ Santa Fe Opera's, and the Denver Bach Society. Her hobbies also included reading, skiing, swimming, collecting, cooking, and sampling new cuisines. As a young girl Barbara traveled extensively with her grandparents throughout the United States. Through this, it sparked an interest to expand her adventures to the rest of the world. Her travels brought her to such places as China, Tibet, Turkey, Africa, Europe, and South America. Many of these countries she went to as a strong advocate for women in medicine and women's rights. Barbara was a trailblazer for women in medicine. She probably never received the credit or recognition she deserved for her professional accomplishments and for her activism in the cause of women's and human rights. She touched many lives through her medical practice and in her travels worldwide. Barbara was also generous in her support of causes in which she believed, and was passionate about women's and children's rights. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her only granddaughter Charlotte, with whom she continued to share her love of travel. Barbara lived a full and long life, she will be missed by many. She passed away on August 25, 2011 surrounded by her family after a long battle with Alzheimer's. In lieu of flowers, Barbara would ask for donations to Planned Parenthood of Colorado, Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, or the Nature Conservancy. A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, September 10, 2011 at the University Club in the Capital Room. Please leave message in the Horan McConaty Guest Book if you would like to be included.