Barbara Ellen Wendling
November 30, 1959 - June 13, 2024

Barbara Ellen Wendling, an automotive wizard who broke into a male-dominated field as a car mechanic and later became an expert in automated vehicle technology, died on June 13 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was 64.

Barb was born in Detroit to the late Dr. Dieter and Monica Wendling. After growing up in Royal Oak and attending Kimball High School, she enrolled at the University of Michigan and the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy of Law (she would later make use of this degree by letting herself be coerced into writing her daughter’s college philosophy papers).

Barb began her automotive career as a gas station mechanic in Lansing, MI and a bus mechanic in Campbell, CA, where she worked during her last year at Berkeley. She moved to Kragujevac, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) in 1986, working as a supervisor in regulatory affairs for Yugo America. She became quickly fluent in Serbo-Croatian, and—pre-online translation tools—wrote many of her daily memos in Serbo-Croatian and English for her Yugoslavian and American engineering colleagues. At Yugo, Barb also met her future husband, Aleksandar (Saša) Malušev. After returning to the States, they had one daughter, Tanya, named after Barb’s next older sister. Barb and Saša subsequently divorced but maintained an amicable relationship.

Over the years, Barb became widely respected in the auto industry, working many years as a manager for AAMA and in safety and regulatory policy for Daimler-Chrysler, Mercedes R&D, and Volkswagen before taking a position as a consultant for EY-Parthenon. She was a recognized expert in accessibility, safety, and automated vehicles. Barb served as chair of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for many years and was noted as a top contributor in 2021. Her colleagues considered her a friend, mentor, and a role model for women working in the automotive industry.

Extraordinarily kind, generous, and witty, Barb used her extensive mechanical knowledge by helping everyone she knew —and often even people she didn’t—with even the smallest of fixes, no matter how far she had to drive or how out of her way she had to go. Barb was a committed vegetarian from the age of 15, and also loved to cook and deliver healthy meals to friends and people in her community, again regardless of the time or driving distance.

When not working or helping someone, Barb loved books, funny and odd collectibles, animals (especially cats and local wildlife), and nature. She was known for finding the most unique Christmas stocking stuffers and the most genuinely entertaining animal videos on YouTube. She was happiest in her leafy neighborhood, feeding the many wild critters who queued up to her front porch to munch on the nuts, seeds, and other delicacies she bought for them.

Beyond Barb’s professional accomplishments and personal kindnesses, the most important role in Barb’s life was being a kind, patient, funny, and loving mother to her daughter Tanya, who she raised as a single mother. Barb did this so successfully that Tanya, at the unlikely age of 18, told Barb and anyone else who would listen that she owed all of her good qualities to her mother and that her mom was her “favorite person and her best friend and always will be,” which Tanya still stands by.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Tanya Malušev; her stepdaughters, Ana and Ivana Malušev; her siblings, Ted (Margaret), Karen (Elaine), and Tanya (Joan) Wendling; her half- and step-siblings Pete (Anne) Wendling, JP (Vanessa) and Andre (Suzanne) Rachmaninoff; her many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; her very high-maintenance cat, Zoey; and her equally demanding generator (Kohler).

Tributes

Tanya Wendling

Hi, I’m Tanya—aka Aunt Tanya—Barb’s next oldest sister.

Btw, we called Barb Barbie bc she was the youngest (in fact, I think our mom started it & I promise she would never have known the difference between a Barbie & a Barney—)

We also later sometimes called Barbie “Bub”—or she’d call herself that—after her supervisor at a new auto mechanic job in San Francisco had asked her what name she wanted stitched onto her blue mechanics jumpsuit & she’d modestly mumbled “Barb” & the guy said, “What? ‘Bub’?” More amazingly, many years later back in Michigan, she got a license plate (non-vanity of course!) whose first three letters were B-U-B: at this point, we all just had to shake our heads & say: now who on earth could ever doubt the existence of God??—

I want to talk about 2 topics I hope are near & dear to your hearts—and definitely were to Barbie’s—and those are automotive safety & automated driving.

I like to think I actually played a role in Barbie’s illustrious career, starting with the 1887 VW bug she gave me, whose trunk (& remember those cars had the trunk in front & the lawnmower engine in back) had a broken latch that would occasionally pop open—which I don’t think I’d bothered mentioning to her— so of course when we got on the highway together for the first time, it popped open and Barbie yelled, “Look! An eclipse!”—and then—after we barely made it off the road because we were laughing so hard—she got out and tied it down with some thick bootlaces she'd left in the car for just such an emergency—

I also got a VERY hand-me-down Chevy station wagon for my college graduation (what do you expect for an English degree?) whose tailpipe & back floorboards were so rusted, it had started leaking fumes into the car. Barbie (as you see, already then very safety conscious) noticed it & deftly repaired it at our mom’s house by cutting open 2 cans of Campbell’s onion soup and clamping them around the tailpipe so we smelled like Thanksgiving dinner for weeks--

Then there was the brand-new German toy I'd brought for her after she’d moved back to Michigan & picked me up at the airport. “Stinkbomben, Barbie”—thinking I’d throw her off track with my German—“wanna see?” & before she had time to say, “Maybe not in the car,” I smashed the tiny glass vial on the dashboard, causing Barbie to execute some fancy driving moves that automated driving engineers still only dream about—

Last driving story (though I have many, many more):

I went to visit Barbie in Yugoslavia, where she worked as a safety inspector for Yugo America. (Ted had visited her first to scout it out—) Barbie picked me up in her snappy new Yugo and said she was taking me on “the scenic route”——which turns out was a roughly paved frontage road that went right along the highway & had apparently the same speed limit. As we were flying along, windows open, a Yugoslavian bee flew right into my window & lap &—not knowing the correct words in Serbo-Croatian, I resorted to Esperanto & squawked, and slapped it into Barbie’s seat where The Bee also resorted to Esperanto & bit her in the butt & once again we barely made it off the road because we were so blinded with laughter.

Btw, Barbie got me back that time by locking me—after 20+ hours of travel and barely a night’s sleep—in her apartment when she went to work—the only problem with that being that the apartment couldn’t be unlocked even from the inside without the key, and the bathroom was—just as strangely—outside the front door—

I think I paid her back by refusing to tell her which of her pots I’d peed in—

And now here’s where the automated driving comes in: Barbie realized that automated driving was the ONLY way to make cars safe from what we both had learned was the number one automotive safety hazard, and that was uncontrollable laughter—

I think the people you love the most are often the people you’ve laughed with the most in your life—and at your life—& Barbie just had that gift, which I’m very grateful she’s passed on to her daughter Tanya. I can also honestly say that I’ve never known anyone so kind, so generous, and with so much integrity as Barbie—qualities she also passed onto Tanya and inspired in everyone lucky enough to get close to her.

=======

I’d always tell Barbie I was working on my Manifesto in down times, and she’d always tell me she was working on The Big Book of Bub— I know that book is still being written. I’m so grateful for the part of Barbie that lives on in that book and in Tanya, and I will try every day to be more of the part of Barbie that lives in me.

Steve Caler

I met Barb in September of 1971. She had a wrench in her hand, grease on her chin and was working on the gear sprocket of her green English Racer. She was twelve at the time and I was seventeen. I loved Barb after a five-minute conversation with her. She was passionate and fiery and determined. Fierce in every way. She treated me special, as if I were actually somebody at seventeen. It wasn’t long before I discovered that Barb treated everyone like they were special. Barb wore plaid flannel shirts and I often heard her spiritedly singing Simon and Garfunkel tunes. I wasn’t aware then that “I am a rock. I am an island” would become her self-imposed mantra and abiding secret. Despite her unbelievable kindness and authentic concern for all things living and her formidable disdain for injustice of every kind, Barb secretly hummed those lyrics her whole life. Once we were remote camping outside Kalkaska, Michigan and Barb and I left camp to go find a country store for provisions. We wandered along in my ancient Olds 98 on an unimproved county road until it became a gravel road, and then a rutted dirt road, and then a mud pit overgrown on both sides. We became hopelessly stuck in the mud and after an hour of struggling to free the beastly car, we realized our dire predicament. I was without shoes and she was wearing flip-flops and we were deep in an arboreal wilderness. She stared at me wide-eyed and we were trying to take stock of the situation. Faintly, we heard whistling coming from the forest. A scruffy, hatted man emerged carrying two white plastic buckets, brimming with blueberries. He knew what to do to release the Oldsmobile from the tarpit and had us back on solid ground. The blueberry man had saved us, and we knew it to our bones. We were grateful and basked in the hum of the broken Olds air conditioner, whistling all the way back to camp. I am privileged to have known Barb for fifty-three years and she remained the kindest, sweetest person I ever met. Those of us who knew her felt privileged as well. There are, however, senators, governors, councilpersons, house leaders, mayors, CEOs, party chiefs, organizers, and false non-profits who would disagree with me. Barb wrote impassioned volumes to each, and made her loquacious point, filled with Barbs, in her spectacularly well-researched attempt to direct policy towards lifting the downtrodden and the victimized. Barb was stalwart and fierce and energized and beautiful. Those lucky enough to know her would agree. After recently tapping out a quick message to her, I hit the send button to a text with several date options we could meet to have dinner in Ann Arbor. Seconds later I got the message from her sister, Tanya, that we had lost Barb. The world cannot afford to lose the best of humanity, certainly not at a time when we need them most. I loved Barb in many ways and for things she did that made life better for us all. I only wish I could have been another whistling blueberry man lifting her from the tar pit and getting her safely back to camp. Barb was serious and funny, driven and brilliant, kind and considerate. She was called Barb and Barbi, Bub and Blue. Now she has become Barbara Ellen and nothing will ever be the same. We shared a spectacular evening at Detroit’s Ravin Gallery on my twenty-first birthday. We heard Gamble Rogers and I was introduced to Steve Goodman, who wrote the song City of New Orleans (not Arlo Guthrie, who made it famous.) Barb also loved the music of John Prine. I offer up lyrics of one of Barb’s favorite Prine songs: Father, forgive us for what we must do You forgive us, we’ll forgive you We’ll forgive each other till we both turn blue Then we’ll whistle and go fishin’ in heaven. Losing Barb has made me an experienced griever. I will not, yet again, seek answers to such unattainable mysteries, but simply bask in the warm glow that was and is – Barb.

Max White

I met Barbara when we were both experiencing personal crises. I immediately liked her no-BS style. We remained long-distance friends: email, phone calls, and sharing books (she turned me on to great novels and writers I would not have known). Years ago, I stayed with her, daughter Tanya and a lucky cat. I was returning from a conference in Europe, and was scheduled to testify at an asylum hearing in Detroit. Barbara met me at the airport, drove me to the hearing. The next day she gave me a memorable tour, including to Windsor. From there, Detroit looked like I thought it would when I was a teenager, competing in a Fisher Body contest. I didn’t win the trip to Detroit. Barb thought the whole thing was amusing. I live in Oregon. Alas, she never came out to visit. Barbara was (I hate writing in past tense) one of the most generous people I’ve known. Too many examples to list, including sending more books than I did. Once on the phone I explained that I have an old pickup—none of the modern safety features. A few days later she sent me an add-on backup camera kit. And so on. She had a wicked sense of humor. She once described being in a meeting in which people were discussing high-tech, high-cost ways for cars to automatically avoid potholes. She suggested, “Why not just fill the potholes?” We would go quite a while between conversations. When she called, she always said she was my bad penny (“A bad penny always turns up.”) I know I was blessed to know her. I cannot say how much I will miss her—so I won’t. –max

Lisa Langner

The first time I met Barbie was when Tanya invited me over to her house in Royal Oak when we were in 10th or 11th grade at Roeper. Ted was also there, and I was astounded by how she and Ted kept wrestling, giving each other nookies and rolling around on the couch and the floor. They were like puppies. When Tanya and I were in our Senior Year at U of M, she and Barbie shared an apartment a few blocks from me, so I hung out with them a lot just sitting around talking and laughing and playing with the cats. Barbie seemed to mostly play basketball. When I moved to Mountain View in 1979, I had a 2-bedroom apt, and Barbie came out and stayed with me while she was getting on her feet. She got a job at the Campbell Bus Barn and came home every day covered in grease with bloody knuckles. That’s when I saw what a knuckle-buster job was really like. She was tough as nails and just laughed it off, telling funny stories about her co-workers. When Barbie got into Berkeley and moved to Oakland, I visited her in her apartment there. It was in a terrible neighborhood but was sunny and bright. She loved studying philosophy and introduced me to Foucault. What happened then? I moved away and got married and had kids. I didn’t stay in touch, relying on Tanya for updates. The last time I saw her was at a party at Tanya’s a few years ago and I didn’t get to talk to her much. I loved Barbie. She was so kind and generous and funny. She had the sweetest kitten face which she would tilt up with this beautiful smile. That’s how I will always remember her. I am so lucky to have known her.

Alex Schrader

Barb will be missed forever. I remember all of our meetings vividly and know that we are kindred spirits. We had lunch in Northville when Tanya and I were new friends and I remember instantly feeling Barb's warmth and kindness. Then, some time later, I went to Barb's house to pick up Tanya and to meet Barb's beloved cats. Months before that visit, Tanya told me offhandedly that it had once annoyed Barb when Tanya's friends came to the house but didn't acknowledge the cats. That comment stuck with me for that visit and every visit to any house with pets after. I knew in that moment that Barb was my kind of person (why wouldn't I be there specifically to see the cats?!). In fact, every time Tanya tells me a story about something Barb did or said (which is frequently), I often think "that sounds like me." It is undeniable that Tanya adores Barb and they truly were best friends. Tanya constantly reminded our friends how smart, funny, kind, interesting, inquisitive, and loving Barb was. And Tanya is proud of who Barb was and proud of their relationship. Tanya loved introducing Barb to friends and telling our group chat everything she did and said. I will never tire of hearing those stories. I wish we could have spent much more time together, but I know I will think of Barb often. And I promise I will acknowledge every pet I see. Love, Alex S

Jimmy McDermott

I had the pleasure of knowing Barb through her daughter, Tanya. Barb was such a kind, thoughtful, and generous person. She loved animals and had talked about opening an animal shelter after retirement. I always found Barb really easy to talk to. Barb was an all around great person, and she raised one of the best people I’ve known. Based off the relatively short time I knew Barb, she gave more to the world than she took out of it, which in my opinion is the definition of a good life. I’ll miss Barb and I’ll be thinking of her, Tanya, and the rest of her loved ones. -Jimmy

Steve Douglas

Barb was so funny, smart, hardworking, passionate about stuff that probably didn’t matter. I really liked and admired her. I remember her mischievous smile the most. I remember the compassion and passion when she described the atrocities by Slobodan Milosevic in the Kosovo conflict. She had a similar passion in her work. But with all of that, she had a great sense of humor that always made me smile (still does). It’s interesting that I have such a vivid and good memories of Barb despite being out of touch for such a long time; I can say that about very few people in my life. Maybe it’s because she was just such a genuinely good person. Tanya 2.0 sounds amazing and I’m sure she is. I’m glad Barbie lives on in her.

Ana Malusev

Barb was the most wonderful selfless human being I even met. I was maybe 12 or younger, when I met Barb. (48 now.) My soon to be stepma. It was a love on first sight! She was genuine, authentic, amazing in her humbleness and brilliance at the same time. She taught me English. Lucky me - I learned from the best! She applied for the green card for me, took me in, and treated me like I was her own child. I never felt like I wasn't hers. In so many ways she was my mom too. Years later, when I already had my kids, Barb came to San Jose, CA, and met my mom. Instant friendship! Of course! And, Barb spoke Serbian too which made it feel like home for my mom. They were laughing and making jokes about dad. They cleaned up everything together. Have you ever been in Barb's company - and she didn't contribute!? Barb was a better human - with every action she took. I strive to be like her. When my sister Ivana and I were sick - Barb bought 1/2 pharmacy to help us get well. Have you ever been in Barb's vicinity and she hasn't done the same for you? She always went ALL OUT to help another - human or animal!!! I've never seen a human like her. She was there for me in my darkest moments through life and especially as a teenager, growing up in a brand new country. It was Barb I leaned on! Thank goodness I had her by my side. She still is. I know that. I am so lucky to have had Barb in my life. Grateful is a small word. I owe so much of all that I've become, my kids and life here - to Barb! I know she is in a better place. She wouldn't have had it otherwise. For all our sakes. I miss Barbie, so much! I always will. Thank you. I love you. Ana p.s. Thanks to Barb, and NPR which was also her suggestion: "Listen to NPR and repeat." I did! My score in English testing when applying at UofM - was "like native!"... I still receive "The Weekly" for my youngest and I. It was a gift from Barb.

Hannah Heebner

Barbie was such a deeply kind, loving person. I remember late nights hanging out with Tanya at her house on college breaks where she’d make us hummus snacks and lend me books to read. She had the best sense of humor and it was even better when paired with Tanya’s. She’d always laugh at our silly stories and jokes. She loved Tanya so much, which was always so clear to me. It felt easy and warm to be around her. Tanya would start so many stories with “I was telling my mom about this…” so I always knew that Barbie heard Tanya’s thoughts first. She was Tanya’s sounding board and biggest fan. She seemed like an excellent listener. One year Barbie gave me a stocking full of car safety supplies and even though I didn’t know what to do with half of them, I was so touched that she got me a gift. She also came to my wedding which was 93 degrees and outdoors- and I later found out that she doesn’t really love going to wedding. It means a lot to me that she came. She was really quietly thoughtful. That was just the kind of person she was. I’ve never met anyone else like Barbie. I feel really lucky that I knew her. We will miss her so much.

Lynne Thompson

As Hannah’s mom and her best friend Tanya’s admirer, I appreciated Barbie so much for her hard work and dedication bringing Tanya into the world. I wish I could’ve spent more time with Barbie, there were too few meetings but they were definitely impressionable with the realization I was in the presence of brilliance. It was so kind of Barbie to come to Hannah’s wedding which had to be the hottest day of that summer, quite a test of heat endurance! Last but definitely not least, I am the lucky inheritance of Barbie’s precious cat Zoey. I already love her so much, and hope I can provide her with a sensitive and loving home like the one she grew up in with her beloved Barbie. Rest in peace Barbie, you are missed by us all. Xo Lynne Thompson

Nicole Gerych

Barb was always so kind and welcoming whenever I would visit Tanya. She always made sure we were well taken care of. I remember my first time trying Indian food as a kid was with her and Tanya and I’m so grateful that they pushed me out of comfort zone of chicken tenders that day. It’s no question where Tanya gets her kindness, intelligence and sense of humor from. I’m so grateful to have known her and she will be missed dearly.

Alissa A Santavicca

Barb was always warm and welcoming when I visited Tanya, my best friend since elementary school. I always learned something when I spent the night, and had plenty of foodie firsts as Barb was always introducing me to a lot of different foods. Most memorable is my memory of having sushi for the first time with Barb and Tanya in elementary school. I am confident that meeting and Tanya and spending time with Barb changed my life, the food was one thing but she treated me and everyone around her with such kindness and respect. It was easy as a child and teenager, and even as an adult to emulate the appreciation she afforded others in just everyday actions. She was truly a wonderful person. She will be missed.

Chantel

What a wonderful tribute to Barb, she in fact did raise one of the best humans on this earth! Sending all my love and well wishes to Tanya and the family. Tanya’s mother always welcomed us in her home, and never passed any judgement on to us even when she most likely should have.

Mary & Bob

After reading the wonderful obituary and tributes—so moving, heartfelt, and not without a great measure of humor, reflecting Barbie’s own sense of humor and fun—on this wall…I thought, what can I add? …The compassion, kindness, selflessness, wit, and complexity so often cited here, are qualities that came immediately to my mind—and heart—too! We have known Barbie about as long as we have known Tanya, whom we simply adore, and observed from the beginning, the inextricable closeness the sisters shared. Consequently, our world was deeply shaken too at her passing… Thinking of Barbie… The first image that comes to mind is the amazing photo of her young with tied back long curling hair, holding a carburetor (or some piece of a car engine), with such a sincere look on her face, explaining how it worked… How fun and funny she was via the emails Tanya forwarded, T’s stories, and on the occasions we were all together, starting in Tanya’s SF apartment on 26th Street, off Castro… Her many surprising, practical little gifts at Xmas…such fun and so appreciated! And what a life!! …the Yugo chapter alone, so extraordinary!! (Btw, she left her giant tool box and gorgeous old desk for safe-keeping in our basement; and added a deadbolt to the inner room where they were stored before she took off. We still have the desk!) …becoming a mother to a beautiful daughter!! …becoming a mover and shaker at major auto corporations!! …her love of animals, which we share! …her passion for social justice, which we also share! Such an amazing person and life to us, on the outside, looking in… She was rich and complex, and GOOD, and enriched us whenever our paths crossed… To Beautiful Barbie! And Love and Healing to all she left behind! Mary & Bob

Steve Snyder

I first met Tanya’s sister, Barbie, back in the early 80s (83?) when I tagged along with Tanya to Barbie’s apartment in Oakland or Berkeley. I remember her looking very much as she does in the “long-haired mechanic” photo in the gallery below. That meeting provided a very favorable first impression: empathetic, intelligent, and politically astute; Barbie was not someone who was afraid of getting her hands dirty, and that very dry and precise wit was hysterical! A perfect complement to her sister Tanya’s somewhat offbeat yet academic and boisterous comedic style. Mutual respect and friendly connection were made during that meeting and refreshed through periodic random events over the next few years.

Fast forward a year or two… (85-86?)

My Computer Gaming career had not manifested a regular paycheck for a year or more. I was living the twenty-something life of a contract graphic artist going from project to project when my weary 72 Peugeot finally blew its last something or other. I was suddenly car-less. :O

Lucky for me, sometime earlier, Barbie had acquired a 70s Dodge Hornet, apparently from a US Forestry Automobile Auction. It was dusty, dirty, and deep forestry green (of course). As it turns out, around the time of my car calamity, Barbie was preparing to move to Yugoslavia to work for YUGO. Before I knew it, I had inherited Barbie’s “Green Hornet”; it wasn’t pretty, but she said it was a BEAST and would run forever. And I knew she knew!

I was delighted with my somewhat loud, dented, and faded Green Hornet, and to show my LOVE and RESPECT for this fine gift, I decorated the entire dashboard with dismembered PEZ heads. So colorful, so weird! A real crowd-pleaser. I’m pretty sure Barbie would not take any money for the car; she was just happy it had found a good home. A kindness I will never forget. Thank You Barbie! XO

I drove that baby for another two years until I finally could afford my first brand-new car, a Ford Aerostar. ( AKA The Daddy Van) I’m pretty sure Barbie would have approved. XOXO

Cathy, Mark and Bridget Stevens

Our deepest sympathies to Tanya and all of the family!
Love, Cathy, Mark & Bridget Stevens

Sarah Stanton

I became fast friends with Barb’s daughter, Tanya, when we worked together in Honduras. As fellow English teachers, it didn’t take long to figure out that Tanya’s love of reading, keen ear for a well-turned phrase, formidable writing skills and sharp editor’s eye were all directly attributable to Barb. When Barb came to visit Tanya in Honduras, she generously invited me and another friend to join them on a weekend excursion to the mountains. I felt so special and welcomed to be included in this way. Thinking now of Tanya and all Barb’s family and friends, and lifting them up with love and gratitude for the many gifts of Barb’s life.

Shea Corrigan

It touches you differently when an introvert welcomes you into their home, invites you to spend time in their space and lets you be privy to their thoughts and feelings. Barb open her life to so many, in countless moments, big and small. She invited me in to spend Thanksgiving with her and Tanya during one of the lowest periods of my life -- I remember her, not apologizing, but acknowledging there wouldn't be a classic Thanksgiving spread and me reassuring her that I didn't like most Thanksgiving food anyways. If I recall correctly, we did polish off some incredible ice cream and her hospitality transformed that weekend into a bright spot in my memory. But her generosity, warmth and humor shone through even more brightly in the moments of passing - I think of the times I spent chatting with her, about books, or politics, or cats, on my way through the living room, most likely waiting for Tanya (who was probably still in the shower). I didn't have the luck to personally know Barb super well, but I do know Tanya and can see the rich, warm and vivacity of her legacy in the way Tanya keeps her memory and character alive in how she lives her life and tells her stories. She will be missed, and she will be remembered. Love, Shea

Zach Esposito

I knew Barb best as Tanya’s mother. That Tanya is such a caring, smart, kind, and funny person is a testament to the job that Barb did raising her. In Tanya, she has left behind a legacy that I think any mother would be proud of. To have accomplished that while also being independently successful in a predominantly male field shows Barb’s diverse array of talents and skills, and her ability to persevere and succeed in a variety of situations. At the same time, Barb showed that career successes do not need to be at the expense of hobbies, interests, or family. I hope, as I suspect Barb would too, that the people she touched during her life can draw from her example.

Levent Sarioglu

I am a colleague of Barb, I met her around 2 years ago, and I had been working with her almost day-to-day since then. I'll miss her. To her family and others, I'd like to say that she was not only a great professional with deep knowledge, but also a great mentor, friend, leader with humility and unmatched level of eagerness to learn that I have not seen in other professionals even in earlier phases of their careers. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to get to know Barb and learn from her. My condolences to her Daughter, other family members, and everyone who will miss Barb.

Emma Pampanin

I knew Barbara through her daughter Tanya, my dear friend. I remember once Barbara coming to visit Tanya in Boston where we both lived and taking us to a sculpture park and to lunch. She was instantly warm and kind, and made such a sincere effort to get to know me. After that, even though we lived far apart, she always kept up with my life and consistently offered support from a far, especially after I became a single mom. I know through the daughter that she raised that she was someone who genuinely cared for others and put effort into determining how best to support those she loved. It was clear to me after meeting and connecting with her that her daughter learned from her. She will be greatly missed.

Christopher Bartholomew

When getting involved in automated driving standards, Barb was the first person I was in contact with. She was so kind, gracious and helpful in answering all my questions, always happy to share her knowledge, while sticking up and holding her ground for what she believed in. I will always be grateful to her. Barb was one of the truly good people, she will be missed.

George Nicols

My relationship with Barb was mainly through automotive industry standards activities. Her strength was apparent in being involved with a wide range of topics and consistently being an active participant. Barb's ideas and suggestions enabled many thoughtful discussions to occur and moved the industry forward. Her professional contributions are important, but more significantly she will be missed as a colleague.

No One Is Talking About This


excerpt from


(spoken by a dying boy, asked about the apocalypse):

"We would be safe in the gates of the Holy City. The weather is sunny there. And warm, but we wouldn’t feel it the way we do now because we wouldn’t be in the form our bodies are in now—no sickness and broken bones. We’d be flying through the warmth more than walking. We would still have our heart and soul, which would feel love and happiness but doesn’t touch things the same way, doesn’t feel hurt. Everyone would be vegetarians, so animals would be free. We’d have a new earth, all pure and sweet, and it would be only spring and summer. No air pollution.”

— Patricia Lockwood (2022), No One is Talking About This