Barbara Sue Biron, 73, of Apopka, FL passed away on February 10, 2021. Her life began on October 11, 1947 with her parents, James and Lois McMurray, both of whom predeceased her.
She was born in New York, NY but moved to Clinton, MA when she was very young and lived there until college. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston and remained in Massachusetts until the early 1980’s when she moved to Central Florida and spent the remainder of her years.
Barbara was a social worker her entire life, working in many roles helping others. She worked for the Department of Children’s and Families and other organizations as a caseworker, a coordinator for licensing of foster care and adoptions, educating parents and rehabilitating children in need.
She was a supporting and caring mother and she loved her grandchildren more than anything else. She loved to go to church and to sing. She also enjoyed gardening and reading her books.
She is survived by children Gretchen Arkind & her wife Kathy Arkind, Christopher Arkind, Todd Arkind and Meghan Austin & her husband Nick Austin and grandchildren: Raina Arkind, Derek Arkind, Hannah Gogan, Nathan Biron, Alexander Austin, Anastasia Turner, Jackson Austin and great-grandson Mason Schlesinger.
MEMORIAL DONATIONS: Together We Rise – Helping Children in Foster Care togetherwerise.org
To watch the Service live, please click on the link below.
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=1613155998100520
Service
Memorial Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
02/15/2021
5:00pm - 6:00pm
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Hortensia Ocasio says
Barbara was a dear friend from the moment we met until her final day. The love that we shared for helping children’s and their families bond us together. A gentle soul that has gone to be reunited with her parents and brother. A gentle soul that I will greatly missed. To her children’s, grandchildren and great grand son my deepest condolescens. May the good memories that you have of her give you comfort and solace during this difficult time.
Barbara until we meet again….
Patty Saternow says
So many great memories of my cousin Barbara Sue especially riding in her cool convertible VW bug to get ice cream and to her dad’s candy/hobby store. Love, Patty Saternow (Hoffman)
Jennifer Green says
So very saddened to hear of your loss. The happiness and chaos of a home filled with her children and their friends who she treated like her children felt like walking into a sitcom no matter the time or day. She would yell at you like you were one of hers, drive you where ever you needed to be and made sure you always felt welcome as she told you to get out. She always had more going on than she could handle and she knew the only way to keep it together was to laugh about it. I don’t think I ever actually saw her sit down. She was her kids biggest cheerleader , and if she was in a crowd, you knew she she was there. She had a kind heart and was always helping a kid in need. Xoxo
Alfred (Don) Hanssen says
To Barbie’s children.
I am very sorry for your loss. I know you will always cherish the decades of fond memories. Distance and years had separated us. Of the 10 cousins, have now sadly become just 8. As youngsters Barbi and I slept in sleeping bags at our grandparents’ (Grace and Harry’s) apt. on W 173rd St. Always an adventure. I loved visiting the McMurray home in Clinton as a young teen. Our paths crossed rarely in adulthood except for weddings and funerals. I do know she became a devoted mother to you all. She will remain in your hearts.
My thoughts are with you.
Don Hanssen
Alfred (Don) Hanssen says
To Barbie’s children.
I am very sorry for your loss. I know you will always cherish the decades of fond memories. Distance and years had separated us. Of the 10 cousins, we have now sadly become just 8. As youngsters Barbi and I slept in sleeping bags at our grandparents’ (Grace and Harry’s) apt. on W 173rd St. Always an adventure. I loved visiting the McMurray home in Clinton as a young teen. Our paths crossed rarely in adulthood except for weddings and funerals. I do know she became a devoted mother to you all. She will remain in your hearts.
My thoughts are with you.
Don Hanssen
Cindy Conner says
It has been a sad time to loose a friend of 20+ years. The times we did road trips, camping trip, or just hanging out I’ll always cherish. You were always smiling even when you were frustrated. I will miss those smiles.
You are at peace with God, your parents, brother, and other relatives members. What a family reunion it must be. Until we meet again my friend keep smiling and reading.
Johanne Hanssen says
My cousin Barbra Sue was pretty, cute, cheerful, generous, caring, compassionate, tolerant and forgiving, but she was also tough and resilient. She was a survivor of great emotional pain and losses, abuse and emotional neglect. Her life was not easy, but she persevered. Even when she entered the memory care facility, she was optimistic.
I know Barb brought warmth and happiness to all who knew her, whether family, co-workers, clients, friends or neighbors.
I will remember Barbara Sue. I will miss her. She left us too soon!
Pam and Kristin says
So sorry for your families loss. You’re in our prayers.
Phillip Mathes says
Barbara was my next door neighbor for several Years, She and I became good Friends over the Years. We would set out front and have our Coffee in the mornings, Barbara would always talk about Her grandchildren, She would tell me Her Son Todd was climbing mountains Living up in Alaska She would worry Herself about the risk He would take. She would look forward to Meghan brings the Grandchildren down (Nathan & Anastasia) They always came over to see Tebow my Yorkshire Yorkie and play with Him. I think only 1 time I meet Todd when He can to visit, May-be even Christopher not real sure. When they all came to visit Barbara would have the biggest smile on Her face, She Loved Her Children and Her Grand Children: That was Her World. Lovell Terrace Neighbors all Loved Her. I was able to visit Her several times while She was at Bridgewater/Waterman Village in Mt. Dora, it was always good to visit Her and cheer Her up. She will be missed by many, I pray that God will wrap His Arms around the Family and comfort them during this time. God sent Her the wrings to fly upward the Heaven so She might Rest N Piece Good Bye Barbara ! I some how forgot to make it tonight, I was talking with Mercedes out front and ask Her was She going tomorrow night at 5pm to Barbara’s, She said it’s tonight not Tuesday. Looked at the clock it was 5:35 pm. I did log on and watch it on line. Thanks for sharing Mom with us ! God Bless You