Barbara Ann Hennings

MADISON - Barbara Ann Hennings was born March 2, 1950 and adopted by James and Clara Lowe of Waukesha. She died at HospiceCare in Madison on February 5, 2011. Despite struggling with mental illness since childhood, Barb earned a Medical Laboratory Technician degree from MATC and loved the years she was able to work in the lab. For over 25 years she was an ambassador and advocate for the mentally ill. She was a founding member of Yahara House, a day program for those with mental illness, based on a national clubhouse model where consumers and staff work together as equals. She partnered with Dr. Ron Diamond, Medical Director of MHDC and others to train psychiatrists and other mental health professionals locally and nationally to improve the treatment of those with mental illness. From 1988-1995, she served on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc. In 1998 she received the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Dane County Board of Directors’ Award for Excellence. As a member of Luther Memorial Church, she loved singing in the choir and playing bells. Barbara is survived by her friends at Yahara House and LM; her “almost sisters,” Linda Amsler and Kathy Seifert and her dog Darby. Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother David, a son Scott and former husband David. A memorial service will be held at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1025 University Ave, Madison on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2 p.m., with inurnment of her ashes in the church columbarium. Visitation and a reception will be held for two hours preceding the service. Special thanks are given to those who faithfully cared for her through the years, especially Dr. Benton, Dr. Diamond, Yahara House staff, Mary and Karen of Hammersley House and HospiceCare. Memorials can be made to Friends of Yahara House or Luther Memorial Church.