Barbara Lee Present

Barbara Lee Present – passed away on August 18, 2022.
She was born in Oconto, WI on April 13, 1938 to the late Wilfred and Mary Irene (Elliott) Wittkopf.
In 1962 Barbara married the love of her life, Stuart "Stu" Present and they shared ten loving and meaningful years together until the time of Stu's death on January 20, 1972 while working as a NASA test pilot in Houston, TX.
"Fashion was her Passion" Former fashion model, she wrote a 'Food and Fashion' column for a Houston magazine, was a member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Houston Muscular Dystrophy Executive Committee, and active in numerous committees benefiting the young and the elderly. Barbara created a fashion boutique "Coordinated Closets by Barbara" to assist women in coordinating a special persona within their wardrobe. She was the owner, buyer, and coordinator of monthly fashion shows assisted by six professional models.
On January 28, 1986, Barbara began working at NASA in what was then the Payload Specialist Office. Barbara worked in many different capacities within the office for ten years, meeting people from around the world and broadening her friendships for life.
On May 1, 1996, after the sudden death of her parents, Barbara purchased her family home and moved back to Oconto, WI. She left the 'Fashionista' behind and became the 'Gardenista' - happiest when she was out on her riding lawn mower and creating her gardens on her 1 1/2 acres of land. She was happiest when 'creating' whether it was fashion, home decorating, or her peaceful garden retreat. Barbara was an avid reader and collector of many types of art from around the world.
Barbara is survived by her two children, Marsha Present, Oconto, WI; Stephen "Steve" (Cindy) Present, Austin, TX; and two wonderful grandsons, Cayden "Cade" and Coltyn "Colt" Present, Austin. TX; brother, Eugene "Gene" Wittkopf; sisters, Mary (Jim) Perret; Wendy Spice; Julie (Len) Allen; and special family friends; Harry Spice; Roger (Jan) Perret; Mike "Funky" Funk; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Stu; parents; and parents-in-law, Sidney and Eva Gemeiner; sister, Sue Ann (Wittkopf) Polzin; brother-in-law, John Polzin; sister-in-law, Nancy (Hotzel) Wittkopf.
Respecting Barbara's wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.
"For all of you who took the time to share your life with me,
I will carry those loving memories into Eternity,
I wish no special service for all to share those times,
Rather, remember in your heart those special moments
wherein our hearts did bind,
For love is not a year, a month, a week, nor on a special day,
It's in a moment when one knows they are loved in a very special way."
May God bless you with the Guidance, Strength, and Love as He has blessed me.
Barbara's wish to be in her home for the remainder of her life was provided by the continual commitment and loving care of her daughter, Marsha, son Stephen and special friend and helper, Alice Dahl. Barbara would like to thank all of the Aurora Bay Care caregivers.