Barbara Borman

MADISON --- Barbara Ann Borman, age 94, died on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Agrace Hospice in Madison. She was born in Mapleton, WI to Otto John and Florence Kay (Lenz) Kiesling on June 17, 1925.
Barbara married John Lee Borman at Bethel Lutheran Church on October 4, 1948 after graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Nursing from UW Madison. Both loved to travel and they did so extensively, however Madison remained "home" and was where they raised their five children. They owned and managed two restaurants off the Square and student housing on Langdon and State Street. In addition to her professional nursing career at UW Hospital, Barbara often served their neighborhood as the nurse on call. Barbara never drove when she could instead walk, bike or cross-country ski to her destination.
Her children learned early never to say "I am bored." as she could always find something that needed doing. She was a voracious reader, stoic golfer, exceptional seamstress, exemplary bridge player and ardent supporter of PBS and Nature Conservancy. A Master Gardner and Volunteer at Olbrich, she was happiest in her gardens with one of her children or grandchildren at her side and she filled her house with beautifully arranged flowers and flowering plants.
"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust." Gertrude Jekyll. Barbara is survived by her children Susan (Adi), Carol ( Mark), Jean, Patricia ( Michael) and Robert; her grandchildren Barbara, Max, Jeannie, Laura and George and her 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her grandchild John Paul, her sister Beverly and brother Robert.
Her life will be celebrated in June 2020. Thank you to Agrace for their compassionate care.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
(608)249-6666