Barbara Davidson Croswell

OTTAWA HILLS, Ohio – Barbara Davidson Croswell, 95, a life-long learner and teacher, died March 29, 2023 at Otterbein Sunset House in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. She moved from Maine to Ohio in 2014 after the death of her husband to be close to her daughter Kathy Crowther and son-in-law. She was fully engaged in life until a recent decline.

Born in 1927 to Dr. Harold B. Davidson and Helen Klingenstein Davidson in New York City, N.Y. she graduated from Lincoln School of Teachers College. She studied psychology at Vassar College, graduating cum laude in 1948. She then attended Columbia University working toward her doctorate in anthropology. She married Gordon L. Jacobs in 1954.

After her two children were school age, Barbara taught elementary school and then high school social studies before becoming an administrative assistant for Allied Chemical Corporation in New Jersey. Her first marriage ended in divorce. She married Glendon A. Croswell in 1980 and they retired to Camden, and later, Gorham.

Barbara was a progressive thinker and social justice advocate her entire life, working with community organizations in New Jersey and Maine. She volunteered at libraries, domestic violence prevention programs, and the American Association of University Women. She produced newsletters for several nonprofits. She was involved for many years at Unitarian Universalist congregations in Morristown, N.J. and in Maine. She was a Sunday School teacher, Religious Education Director, and took on numerous other volunteer responsibilities. She enjoyed becoming a member of the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, Ohio, where she became an active member and made many friends.

She loved to read, swim, canoe, and attend book discussion groups. She became an amateur photographer and with her husband Glen enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with Elderhostel and throughout New England and Eastern Canada.

Survivors include a son, Harold D. Jacobs (Marilyn) of Ocean Grove, N.J., daughter, Kathy Crowther (Wayne) of Sylvania, Ohio, stepchildren Thomas Croswell (Lisa Kelly-Croswell), Dr. Robert Croswell (Kim), Susan Croswell Khoda (Mike), and Ralph Croswell; grandchildren Cody D. Crowther, Paul B. Jacobs, Bennett A. Jacobs, and Margaux H. Jacobs; and many step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren.

Barbara donated her body to the University of Toledo Medical College. There will be a celebration of life at 1 p.m. on May 7 at the First Unitarian Church of Toledo. The family is grateful for the care Barbara received at Otterbein Sunset House and Ashanti Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood or the Unitarian Universalist Association.