Darla L. Barclay

I was very sad to hear of Darla's passing just a few days ago when catching up with some Olbrich staff members. I adored working with Darla and really looked up to her teaching abilities. Her love for children was boundless, and I think every child that worked with her will remember the positive red haired woman who cheerfully led tours of school groups throughout the gardens and the conservatory at Olbrich. Darla was so inspiring, and I will remember her fondly. She always had great ideas. As the intern, I would supervise volunteers, but I definitely felt like she should have been supervising me - not the other way around. I stand by that I learned how to teach almost solely from Darla and her dear friend Pat Giesfeldt. I so wish I had the chance to tell her these things. I was not aware that she was battling cancer. She didn't seem like the type of person who would need to complain to anyone, instead she was always cheerful and ready to teach and lead the programs with complete enthusiasm that radiated. Sending much love and warmth to her family. May you find time to grieve this enormous loss and feel her positive presence always.