Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Kittredge Cherry
I celebrate the life of Barbara Marian, devoted supporter of Q Spirit, LGBTQ ally, art patron, feminist religion teacher, and woman of faith. She died on Nov. 12, 2019 at age 77, surrounded by her loving family.
I was shocked and saddened by Barbara’s passing. She was a huge force for love and goodness in my ministry and also in my personal life. I looked up to her as a mother figure. Barbara was one of my first, most reliable and most generous donors, contributing every year since 2008 — that’s 11 years!
From our first email exchange, she emphasized that she was active in the local chapter of PFLAG, an organization for parents, family and allies of LGBTQ people. For many years Barbara ran a monthly ad in my Q Spirit / Jesus in Love newsletter to promote her Nativity Project, which celebrated the central role of women in scripture.
“A lifelong champion for the marginalized”
“A lifelong champion for the underserved and marginalized, Barbara felt strongly about equality in all forms. She devoted much of her time to elevating the status of women, minorities, and the LGBTQ community with her eloquent voice and boundless energy,” says her online obituary.
Father Robert Oldershaw made a similar point in the homily at her memorial service: “Rivaling her passion to elevate the status of women was her driving concern in eloquence and energy and commitment to the LGBTQI community.”
Barbara commissioned paintings of Epiphany and the Nativity by internationally acclaimed artist Janet McKenzie. The Epiphany painting became famous (or notorious) worldwide for depicting a multiracial trio of female magi. I showed the painting and quoted Barbara in my blog article on Epiphany.
Barbara donated her art collection
These paintings are now on display at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Barbara donated her art collection to the CTS in 2015 with a ceremony recorded in photos and on video. They capture some of her irrepressibly joyous spirit, passionate faith and vibrant intelligence.
It was artist Janet McKenzie who first introduced me to Barbara. In turn I introduced Barbara to the staff at the Feminism and Religion blog, where her reflection on Advent lives on. I gave credit to Barbara for commissioning “Mary with the Midwives” by Janet McKenzie when I included it in my book “Art That Dares.”
Gratitude for Barbara’s life and ministry
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Barbara Ann Casper Powers Marian earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University. She served parishes and dioceses around the country as a lector instructor and taught in her local lay ministry formation program.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jerry Powers, as well as her daughter Elizabeth, son Edward, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Barbara and Jerry were long-time parishioners at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Evanston, Illinois.
Her words of wisdom about relationships have been been a source of strength for my spouse Audrey and me, and we put this quote in our wedding album:
“That our partners know the best and the worst about us yet remain, support and love us, no matter what, is truly a sign of the Divine and a constant source of wonder and gratitude.”
Her obituary states, “In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to your favorite charity or campaign in Barbara’s name.” Click here to donate to Q Spirit in her name.
I looked back at Barbara’s last email to find out her final thoughts. Her last words to me were, “What would this church do without you?!”
That is exactly what I am feeling about her. What will we do without Barbara?!
Barbara Marian, from her 2017 speech at OUTspoken! LGBTQ Storytelling event at Sidetrack.
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Top image credit:
Screenshot of Barbara Marian speaking at Catholic Theological Union at Chicago in 2016 in the video “Janet McKenzie’s Women”
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This post is part of the LGBTQ Saints series by Kittredge Cherry. Traditional and alternative saints, people in the Bible, LGBT and queer martyrs, authors, theologians, religious leaders, artists, deities and other figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and our allies are covered.
Copyright © 2020 Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.
I am Barbara’s husband. This is a beautiful tribute to her. Thank you for producing it. I happened to find it when I did a search of her.
I know that Barbara was a supporter of your projects. Did we ever meet ? We were at various conferences over the years selling religious cards with her commission artwork. Drop me a line when you have time.
Jerry
It’s wonderful to hear from you, Jerry! I don’t think that we met in person, but we did communicate some by email. I still miss Barbara, and I will send you an email as you suggested. She often told me about your loving marriage.
I don’t think we ever met, but Barbara often shared stories and wisdom from your loving relationship. My spouse Audrey and I were college sweethearts who met almost 50 years ago now, so we don’t have many role models who have been together longer — so you and Barbara were an important beacon for us. I still miss Barbara, and I’m glad you liked my tribute to her.
She was also made a huge impact as one of my first and most loyal supporters as I launched my LGBTQ spirituality blogs Jesus in Love and Q Spirit. I still miss her. I hope you are staying strong and finding comfort in the enduring bond you shared.