Bobbie was born on September 6th, 1940 in Manhattan, New York, to first generation immigrant parents, Fortunato Robert Campagna and Frances Patricia Gerber. After graduating from high school, she moved to Philadelphia and continued her education at Temple University’s School of Nursing. By 1960, she had married her husband William Angier Welch and left school to become a full-time mother, raising her five children.
Bobbie was passionate about the New Church. It was her desire to be closer to the Church and raise her children in its schools that, in 1968, saw the family move into ‘The Mansard’ home on South Avenue in Bryn Athyn. Bobbie would go on to begin a long career with the General Church - which started when she became Secretary to the Rt. Reverend Alfred Acton in the Bishop’s office. She rarely ever missed a Sunday service at the Cathedral, attending in person as recently as 2022 and watching online since then.
For many years, Bobbie took joy in making the little stuffed lambs that the Church gives as gifts to newborns each year. She loved to knit and make hook rugs, which she gave as gifts to friends and family. She loved the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, and especially The Sound of Music.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her Brother, Robert Camp, her Husband, William A. Welch, and her Granddaughter, Brianna Welch. She is survived by her five children: Ward B. Welch, Wade M. Welch and his Wife - Fenny Welch, WendyLee Bouldin and her Husband Mike Bouldin Jr., Warrick J. Welch and his Wife - Dawn Welch, and William S. Welch and his Wife - Jessica Keene. Barbara is also survived by Grandchildren: Rebecca (Adams) Brandenburger, Meghan Welch and Jesse Welch; and Great Grandchildren Olivia Brandenburger and Kayden Brandenburger.
A Resurrection Service is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn PA, at 3:00PM (with special music beginning at 2:40PM). Followed by a celebration of Life with family and friends in the Cathedral vestibule.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bryn Athyn Church, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn PA.
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