Barbara Reed

Barb, or Barbie, as she was affectionately known by her friends and family, was born and raised in Denver in the Congress Park neighborhood. She attended grade school at Saint John’s and high school at St. Mary’s Academy. After high school, she married Jim Tolve, with whom she had 3 “beautiful children”. Barb later pursued a career with Qwest Telecommunications. During adulthood, Barb struggled with the pains of psoriasis and overcame 3 bouts of breast cancer. She retired around 2009 after her third cancer diagnosis.

She will be remembered for her love of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, along with a passion for reading, an interest in fashion, and for making friends everywhere she went. We will remember her infectious, joyful laugh, and being one of the smartest people we knew. We truly hope she is finally able to find peace that often escaped her while on this earth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Betty, Uncle Andy, brothers Gary and Mark, and sister-in-law Linda. Survived by her children Jamie (Danielle), Emily (John), and Victoria; siblings Lindsay (Pope), Kip, & Tony (Angela); aunts, cousins, nephews, a niece, one great niece, and two great nephews.

*Finally, we’d be remiss in not sharing an alternate obituary here that builds off of an obituary she wrote for herself, which was a testament to her vivid imagination, and we know she'd laugh having this included:
Barbara graduated magna cum laude from the University of Denver; along with obtaining a PhD. in English; as well as a nursing degree from Loretto Heights.

Even though she met her ex-husband at a young age, when she was working at a restaurant and he was one of her regulars, they had 3 lovely children, but her relentless pursuit of education was never stifled. Although she did eventually retire due to illness, her love of higher learning was never thwarted.

She is survived by her 3 children and 9 beautiful grandchildren, including Gareth and Helen, who belong to Jamie; Talia, who belongs to Emily; and Lily, who belongs to Victoria.

A celebration of Barbara's life has been planned. For the details regarding the service and to RSVP, please click the link below.