Barbara Ruth Maclean

Barbara Ruth Clarke, ‘Barbie’, (1936 – 2025) was born on 27 February 1936 in Hampton, Richmond-on-Thames. Her parents were Joan and Cecil and she had two older sisters, June and Shirley. After leaving grammar school she joined Liverpool & Victoria Insurance in London.

She married Kenneth Maclean in 1954 and moved to Carlisle and then South Shields. They had two sons, Paul and Gordon, and as Ken had high-pressure jobs she was the homemaker, but enjoyed travel with him when he was posted abroad. In time, the family settled in Luton, and Barbie took part-time clerical jobs while bringing up the boys. She had always loved sport and supported − and helped out − at Luton Football Club while also enjoying her grandchildren.

Kenneth’s tribute can also be found here