Barbara Jean Wooden nee Goepper, 95, of Dickerson, Maryland passed away peacefully at her daughter, Cynthia’s home on February 18, 2023. 

Barbara Jean Goepper was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 30, 1927. She graduated from Boston University-Sargent College with a B.S. in Physical Education in 1950. Following college, Barbara worked as a P.E. Teacher at both Cambridge and Newton Public Schools in MA, until 1957. While working as a public-school teacher in Newton, MA, Barbara met her future husband Bruce John Wooden (who preceded her in death in 2019), a Naval Lieutenant Jr. Grade, who was attending graduate school at MIT. Barbara and Bruce were married in 1958. Following Bruce’s graduation from MIT, the couple was transferred to Portsmouth, New Hampshire where Bruce was tasked with the production of nuclear submarines at the Naval Shipyard. Barbara had two children while in Portsmouth, a daughter Cynthia in 1960 and a son Howard in 1961. The couple was then transferred to the Quincy Shipyard in Quincy, MA, where their youngest daughter Carole was born in 1963. Bruce was now a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy.

In 1964, Barbara and Bruce were transferred to Chevy Chase, Maryland where Bruce was stationed at the David Taylor Model Basin. While in Chevy Chase, Barbara served as a substitute teacher and the Civic Development Chairman for the local garden club. In 1966, the family moved to Montgomery Square, Potomac, MD.

In 1972, the Wooden family moved to a 125-acre farm in upper Montgomery County on Peach Tree Road, Dickerson, MD. Relocation to a farm was a drastic change for the family. The farm produced corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa hay. The family also acquired four heifers and four steers along with three dogs. Barbara and Bruce had the kids involved in numerous activities such as Future Farmers of America, Pony Club, and the local swim team. Eventually, the family acquired four Arabian horses and the kids started showing them at local horse shows. In 1976, the family purchased a piece of land at Deep Creek Lake, MD and built a chalet. Many vacations were spent at Deep Creek Lake snow skiing in the winter and water skiing in the summer. Barbara enjoyed all of these activities!

Over the years, Barbara was active in numerous community and civic activities including: President of the Sargent College Alumni Association at Boston University, President of the Monocacy Garden Club, Fund Raising Chairwoman of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation (ARCS is a national organization that raises funds for college science students), Founder of the Poolesville Chapter of the American Field Service (AFS), Member of the Board of Directors of The Barnesville School, and Secretary of the Sugarloaf Riding Club to name a few.

Barbara Jean Wooden is survived by her three children, Cynthia Rucker of Philippi, West Virginia, Howard Wooden, of Lithia, Florida and Carole Andres of Dickerson, Maryland. Grandchildren include Elise Wendland, Devin Wooden, Hunter Wooden, Bradley Andres, Catherine Andres and Great Grandchild Aiden Wooden as well as many of the spouses, cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara will be missed and remembered by her many friends for her enthusiasm for life and the willingness to help others.