Barbara Drechsler

Barbara Ann Behrens Drechsler, age 82, of Silver Spring, Maryland died peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Barbara was born December 3, 1941 and raised in Washington, DC, daughter of the late George & Sara Behrens. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Richard, her half-sister, Laurie (Paul) Vavuris, and her grandson, Kurt Drechsler, Jr. She is survived by her sons Kurt Drechsler, Sr. (Joi Daubach) and Mark (Patty) Drechsler; grandchildren Michael (Niki) Drechsler, Sara Drechsler (Jeremy Miller), Nicholas Drechsler, Abigail Drechsler (Jack Sanford), and Matthew (Leslie) Drechsler; great grandchildren Hunter Drechsler, Raelynn Drechsler, and Fynn Miller; and former daughter-in-law Robyn Winship; as well as honorary son Dennis (Genei) Bougher; and honorary grandchildren Kristen, Emily, and Christopher Bougher. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws Jane Ellen Drechsler and Ann Drechsler.

 Barbara was a Christian and lifetime member of St Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. She belonged to Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority for over 60 years, where she served in many leadership positions including International President. Barbara was also a very active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Along with her husband, Richard, they actively participated in the Hummel Club, Concord Club, Association of Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia, and Fifty Plus Club of Eastern High School. Barbara enjoyed attending her annual Anacostia High School reunions and monthly luncheons; events at the Kennedy Center; traveling; cruises; and she especially enjoyed her time at Nags Head, North Carolina. Barbara cared deeply and often showed that through thoughtful cards celebrating and appreciating loved ones, as well as baking delicious homemade treats- the lion cookie jar always stayed full. 

 A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 2pm to 4pm at Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, MD. The funeral will be held on Monday, September 23 at 10:30am with a brief viewing starting at 10am at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 222 M Street SW, Washington, DC. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland MD at noon. All are welcome to a celebration of life luncheon in the church fellowship hall following the funeral service.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and mailed to Mary Essex, Financial Secretary at 2002 Trafalgar Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 or at 

www.stmatthewdc.org/give; or to Feeding America at www.FeedingAmerica.org