Barbara Melzer

Melzer, Barbara, 89, died February 21st in Wichita, KS. Suffering from Alzheimers, her death was anticipated. To some degree, it was somewhat of a relief for not only Barbara but, for her children as the disease had rapidly progressed. Barbara was born Barbara Bos on November 19th 1925 in Amsterdam, Holland. An only child, she was the Daughter of Catherine Bos. As a child in school she was intrigued with foreign language and ultimately became fluent in at least four languages including English. As a result of her fluency in English, she became a translator for the American and Canadian troops during World War II. It was during this time that she would meet her future American husband William Robert Melzer. After relocating to Athens, Ohio at the age of twenty and marrying Bob Melzer, she gave birth to three children, Robert, Mark, and Vicki. The family ultimately relocated to Wichita, Ks around 1962 and Barbara has lived in Wichita ever since. As a result of a divorce, Barbara single handedly raised her three children. The matriarch. An avid reader as a child, she found her dream job at the book department at Wichita State University. She eventually became the head of the book department where she remained until her retirement. She enjoyed the theatre and for years she volunteered at the ticket box office. Upon retiring, she immediately began volunteering at the Wichita library as her love of reading and books never waned. She was such a wonderful volunteer that eventually the library created an award named after her, the “Barbara Melzer Volunteerism Award”. Barbara is survived by her three children, Robert Melzer, Mark Melzer, Vicki Caldarera, and 6 grandchildren who she couldnt be more proud of (Sydney, Jamie, Walker, Devon, Natalie, and Logan). As an only child, Barbara was thrilled to have created such a beautiful family. At this time, there is no memorial scheduled. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.