Barbara Center Scott

Barbara Center Scott passed away peacefully at the age of 82, in the arms of her husband, at Masonic Hospital on Sunday morning, August 2, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1943 to Nelda and John Center in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Hudson, Ohio. Barbara is survived by her husband Robert H. "Bob" Scott, and by their daughters Carrie Scott of Oak Park, IL (husband Brawley) and Anne Scott of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by four grandchildren (twins Clara and Julia, Kitta and Nico), who she loved dearly, and by three siblings (John, Nancy and Cathy). Barbara attended Miami of Ohio and Kent State Universities. After college, she became a flight attendant with American Airlines, based in Chicago. She flew for American for ten years. She met her husband Bob in Chicago (on a bus!). They were married in Peninsula, Ohio on November 23, 1974. Barbara and Bob shared a love for international travel, and experiencing other cultures, throughout their 51 year marriage. In 1977, they moved to Minneapolis, and have lived there ever since (with the exception of four wonderful years in Ann Arbor, Michigan). Barbara was a beautiful woman with an elegant sense of style. She absolutely loved to laugh, and was so much fun to be with. She made other people laugh and feel good about themselves. And she was a loyal friend. Barbara had many talents and passions. She was a beautiful singer who sang all day long. She was a member of two church choirs, and the Good Samaritan Singers group. She was an extremely talented seamstress and upholsterer who not only made clothing (for herself and others), but also bedspreads, curtains, and recovered furniture. And she made her own wedding dress! She was a brilliant amateur interior decorator with very creative instincts. She particularly delighted in "saving" and renovating a 100 year old house on Lake of the Isles. A natural hostess, Barbara loved gathering people together. She organized neighborhood parties, Twin Cities Marathon and Kentucky Derby parties, and progressive dinners. And she was the founder of the weekly Ladies Coffee Group at Lake of the Isles. Barbara loved animals, her own and those in the wild. She and Bob went on several safaris, to the Galapagos Islands, and to zoos all over the world. Barbara was an avid supporter of local arts organizations in Minneapolis (and in Ann Arbor), and held board or leadership positions with many of them, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Children's Theatre Company and Stages Theatre. She co-chaired the annual Art in Bloom fundraiser for the Friends of the MIA (in addition to serving as a tour guide for school groups). She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Appalachian Service Project, as a nursing home "companion", and at the Delonis Center homeless shelter in Ann Arbor. Barbara Scott meant so much to so many people. She will be remembered as someone who brought joy, laughter, music and beauty to the world every day. A memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis on Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 AM (officiated by Pastor Steve Richards). A lunch reception will follow the service. The family is grateful to the staff at Masonic Hospital for treating Barbara with dignity and tenderness during her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the World Wildlife Fund.

Barbara Center Scott

October 21, 1943 - August 2, 2026

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