Obituary
Barbara Ann Daniels, age 78, of Port Orange, FL passed away on December 17, 2020 at Advent Health Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She was born on April 1, 1942 in Quincy, IL to Edward and Esther (Kerwin) Hess.
Barbara graduated from Quincy Senior High School (IL) in 1960 and Quincy College in1965 with a degree in Music Education (piano performance major). On July 3,1965, she married her college sweetheart, George W. Daniels from Long Island, New York at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Hess of Quincy, Illinois.
Barbara is survived by her husband George of Port Orange, Florida; her two daughters Lori Littlejohn (husband Joseph Littlejohn) of Deltona, Florida; Melissa Challenger (husband Paul Challenger) of Cedarville, Illinois; and a son Justin Daniels of Port Orange, Florida. Also surviving are her brother, Richard Hess of Quincy, Illinois and three grandchildren, Alexander Littlejohn, Nicholas Littlejohn of Deltona, Florida and Christine Challenger of Cedarville, Illinois.
At age 5, Barbara displayed extraordinary musical skills as a pianist; having perfect pitch and unflappable sightreading skills, she was able to perform at many venues during high school. For over 60 years she shared her talents as a teacher and performer with 100s of musicians/teachers and 1000s of band, choir and orchestra students in the states of Iowa, Illinois and Florida. Barbara was a perfectionist and knew how to motivate an individual as well as a group to achieve their greatest potential. Teachers who worked with her many decades ago, still remember her energy and stamina as a piano accompanist at rehearsals, concerts as well as local, district and state music contests. Barbara’s uncanny ability to feel at home playing classical, jazz, ragtime/dixieland, gospel and rock & roll (Change of Pace 1979-1991) styles of music provided her a platform to display her talent in a broader spectrum of playing opportunities.
Besides playing for many middle and high school band, choral and orchestra students in Seminole, Flagler and Volusia counties in Florida during the last 20 years, Barbara looked forward to attending Sunday Mass as the pianist for the choirs at Epiphany, Prince of Peace and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches in the Daytona Beach, Florida area.
Barbara was a very loving and caring mother to her children and grandchildren. She always found time in her busy schedule to respond to their wants and needs. Her family and friends will always remember her as an outgoing, caring and loving person.
Barb’s life and music will live on at www.BarbDaniels.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in honor or in memory of Barbara A. Daniels at the website.
Due to the surge of new Covid -19 cases in Florida, our family has elected to have a private family funeral on January 11, 2021 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Port Orange, Florida. A cemetery in the Daytona Beach area will be selected for interment.
Service
Visitation
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
-Kay Boschulte
My sons, John and Chris and myself send our prayers to you at this sad time. What a talented musician Barbara was! My late husband, Ed Apenbrink, Barbara's first cousin and his sister Jo Ann shared so many fond memories of growing up with Barbara and Richard in Quincy, Illinois. I too have many fond memories of family gatherings with you all in Quincy, IL and Florida.
George, Ed and I were honored to celebrate your 50th Anniversary with you and Barbara in California and enjoyed your visits to our
home in Las Vegas in recent years. I'm so thankful that Barbara sent me many of her recipes and recipes from the Kerwin family. So kind of her.
Please take care of yourselves and treasure the sweet memories of Barbara.
Love, Marti Apenbrink, John Apenbrink and Chris Apenbrink
Our hearts go out to you and your family. We wish we had known your sweet mom! What an amazing pianist she was! Thank you for sharing her music. I especially love the videos of Christine dancing while your mom played. What a wonderful memory for her to look back on.
We are so thankful you have been able to be there for your family at this difficult time.
We love you so much and will continue to lift you up in prayer as you and your family navigate through the grieving.
Take care of each other.
Love, Ena Carol and Fred Selby
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sounds like you and Barb had a great life together. Lots of great memories you will have forever.
Sincerely,
Paul & Janise