Barbara Moore

A Celebration of her life will be held April 25th, at 1 p.m. at the Air Force Academy Community Chapel, 5134 Cathedral Drive, Suite 100, USAF Academy 80840. Interment with take place immediately afterwards at the USAF Academy cemetery, followed by a reception at the Eisenhower Golf Club, 123 Golf Drive, USAF Academy, 80840.

Born in February 1928 and raised in Seaford, Delaware she was the daughter of Mabel Ellen (Rodney) and J. Harlan Purse. After graduating from the University of Delaware, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and began her career teaching. In 1953, she eloped with the love of her life, Tom Moore, Jr., a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Barbara and Tom were stationed in Texas, California and then at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Tragically, Barbara lost Tom to a plane crash in Vietnam in 1967. Her life’s greatest heartache was that they only shared 15 years together. In 1975, she married Hastings Moore (no relation to her first husband), a University of Colorado professor, and they shared 26 years together. Barbara and Hastings could often be found dancing at the Broadmoor Tavern or at his piano, with Hastings playing while Barbara sang and entertained.

Barbara lived in Colorado Springs for over 50 years, and often talked about their early years at the Academy. She loved the friends they made during their marriage and often enjoyed bridge with a wonderful group of women. After Tom passed, she worked as Assistant AFA Cadet Hostess, and volunteered with the Gold Star Wives who sought to raise money and awareness for Vietnam POW/MIA initiatives. Eventually she went back to teaching and dedicated nearly 30 years to School District 11, teaching third graders at Bates Elementary School where she was awarded “Teacher of the Year”. She obtained her master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1989 from UCCS and she and Hastings made sure that each of her children also obtained their master’s degrees.

Barbara did everything possible for her children, and she leaves behind Tom Moore, Scott Moore, and Barbara Jean Dowski. Although her Alzheimer’s was evident when her grandchildren were young, she enjoyed the time she was able to spend with Rachel Moore, Sarah Moore, and Thomas Moore, IV.

She loved singing, dressing up, and throwing a good party. Barbara was a very talented artist, painting many landscapes and flowered scenes that showed a distinct skill level. She adored Georgia O’Keefe’s work and visited her museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico many times. Barbara’s joy in dressing up can be seen in every photograph of her and continued until her very last breath. While teaching she regularly said she was trying to wear a different outfit every day. Laughter was always her best medicine and fortunately, she found humor in much of life during her years with dementia.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s children suggest giving to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs' College of Education, their mother’s alma mater, in her memory. Donations may be made online at https://www.uccs.edu/moore or mailed directly to UCCS Development. Please make check payable to “UCCS” and include “Barbara Moore 0421681” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to: UCCS Development, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918-3733.