With a heavy heart, NCCT announces the passing of Barbara Curwen, conservation easement landowner and friend to her community. We extend our sincerest condolences to Barbara’s family. Former NCCT President and neighbor to Barbara, Alan Haney, prepared the following in her memory:
Barbara Curwen was not only a friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her, she was a friend of the land. On February 4, 2023, central Wisconsin lost a kind, gentle, caring person, and someone who was deeply rooted in her beautiful lakeside property, which she named “Palmorrow,” because it stood on high ground between Pallen Lake and the Tomorrow River, in eastern Portage County. Barbara and her husband purchased the property in 1973, and it was where Barbara would spend her final 50 years, tending her gardens, walking the woodland trails, and sharing the marvelous view across the lake with friends, neighbors, and family from her porch or patio.
Barbara devoted her life to serving others, as a nurse, a mother, a teacher, and most of all, a caregiver to those less fortunate. Her giving extended to the land she loved. Although her lawn and gardens were kept immaculate, she allowed nature to tend the surrounding forest, maintaining only the walking trails, which she frequented. She worked with North Central Conservancy Trust to develop the easement that would ensure her beloved Palmorrow would always remain primarily a domain of nature, and not be spoiled by additional development. She also instilled in her children a love for the land. It was, for all of them, a retreat, a home to which they could return to find comfort and peace. After her husband’s death, Barbara continued to maintain their beautiful property, and welcome all who wanted to share a bit of the tranquility she valued. It was there that Barbara died peacefully, surrounded by her family. We will miss her, and all that she contributed.
To view the full obituary written for Barbara, please click here.
