Barbara Bancroft Seligman

Barbara Bancroft Seligman passed away on October 23, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 83. Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Arcadia, California, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Lee Julius Seligman, and her parents, William Zelotes Bancroft III and Mary Park Bancroft.

A graduate of Arcadia High School, class of 1959, Barbara attended the University of New Mexico where she met the love of her life, Lee. While attending the University of New Mexico, Barbara was a member of the Gamma Beta chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Barbara and Lee traveled the world by sea and air, enjoying the scenery and food of various countries and cultures. Barbara was a very supportive wife to Lee, spending countless hours typing his dissertation and joining him in his Barbershop Harmony Society singing events across the United States.

Having been diagnosed with breast cancer more than a decade earlier, Barbara faced her battle with remarkable strength and resilience, ultimately conquering it and inspiring all who knew her with her unwavering courage.

Barbara is survived by her son, Douglas Park Seligman and his wife, Anja Jones Seligman of Denver, Colorado, and by her son, Gregory Randolph Seligman, his wife Daisy Sayonara Seligman, and two grandchildren, Kaylee and Amber, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also surviving is her brother, William Bancroft of Navato, California.

Barbara was an exceptional culinary artist and ran her own catering business for many years. When not catering, Barbara was an active member and leader of several chapters of the P.E.O Sisterhood, an organization of women whose primary focus was on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide.

A dedicated wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Barbara loved spending time with her family, dog Lily, and cat Bearfoot. For decades, Barbara enjoyed playing bridge and Words with Friends with people all over the world. Barbara and Lee also volunteered their time at voting locations in Albuquerque during national elections.

Her family is comforted in the knowledge that Barbara is once again with her adoring husband, Lee, where they can continue to write each other love letters as they were known to have done for over 50 years.