Barbara Tate

Barbara 'Bobbie' Tate of Takoma Park, MD departed peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Casey House of Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, MD, surrounded by her family. Born in Mississippi into a military family during World War II, Bobbie also lived in Arkansas and Virginia before the family settled in the Washington, D.C. area. She had fond childhood memories of summers on her grandparent's farm in Tennessee, as well as more cosmopolitan adventures visiting her other grandmother in St. Louis, MO. She emerged as a woman of remarkable generosity, intelligence and creativity. Being one of four children to a father who did not believe in stopping the car on those long family trips, she was a lifelong avid reader, could laugh at a good joke, and was an independent critical thinker. She appreciated the beauty, mystery and interconnectedness of art, science and history, and particularly enjoyed the Italian Renaissance; she loved a good mystery and a daily crossword puzzle; she valued a well-measured use of both imagination and fact in all things. She loved immersive travel and was a woman of discerning taste. Her spirited cooking and baking, rooted in those Tennessee summers, brought immense joy and comfort to those who sat around her table. She was one who understood the importance of standing up for herself. As an early computer programmer, she handled the challenges of being a woman in a male dominated workplace with strength, practicality, and admirability. As stylish as she could be stubborn, she was known for her beautiful calligraphy; painting; eclectic collection of clothes, shoes and music; and formidable excel spreadsheets. Though fierce when necessary, she gently showed her love and care for those close to her in her daily graces and habits. She was a private person but she shared her passions and skills with generosity. She respectfully made space for others to find their own ways in the world. Beloved wife of James Tate; mother of Kevin Carlin, Scott Carlin and Nikki Ralston, and Julia Tate and Ziggy Drozdowski; mother-in-law of Llarna Burnett; grandmother of Franklin Carlin, Sara Carlin, Stephen Carlin, Aldrin Carlin, and Almus Drozdowski; sister of Chris Rasberry. She was also an incredible friend. Her spirit will forever live within our hearts and minds. Private Interment. A celebration to honor her life will be held on September 24, 2022. Please see event link above for details. There will be puzzles and baked goods. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations or volunteer support would be appreciated to any of the following in memory of Bobbie: - The Smithsonian Institution - Montgomery Hospice Program at the Casey House - The Salvation Army