Barbara Moon Perry

Barbara Moon Perry was born as Barbara Frances Moon in Yonkers, NY on September 13, 1922 to Julia and Merritt Stuart Moon. Barbara had an older sister Shirley Moon Bross. She grew up in a very loving and wonderful family. Barbara graduated high school at 16 and attended 2 years of college majoring in Journalism/Fine Art. At 19, while attending a concert at Eastman Theater in Rochester, John Robert Powers approached her parents. He offered a year contract with his agency. All photos and portfolio would be free. Before her parents agreed to the contract, her father enrolled her in the Rochester Business Institute for the summer. Mr. Moon stated, “At least you will have a little preparation for the business world.” Barbara stayed at the YWCA which her father paid for 1 month. She started modeling in the garment district (which she described as “horrible”) and moved on to runway shows. Barbara loved the benefits galore: free designer dresses from Saks Fifth Ave and free jewelry from Lord and Taylor and others. After a year of modeling, Mr. Powers mentioned he had a friend, Anne Means, editor of a magazine. She was looking for an editorial assistant. He knew Barbara attended college for journalism and fine art. Barbara said, “This modeling business is fun, good money, but only as long as you’re young. I’m applying for the editorial job. If I don’t get it, I’ll do something overseas – see the world. She eventually did join the Red Cross and travelled to Japan during WWII where she met and married Oliver Hazard Perry, a captain in the Army of the United States. They were married in the city of Yokohama, Japan. Their first daughter Alison Moon Perry (Pidgeon) was born in the Tokyo Army Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Perry lived in Japan for approximately 7 years. The Perry’s moved to New Jersey for a couple of years and had a second child, Laurel Hazard Perry (Armstrong). Barbara continued her studies at Syracuse University. During this time, she took Medical Anatomy at Syracuse Medical College. Around 1959, The Perry family moved to Pompano Beach, FL and eventually built a house. She continued her education and received her BFA at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Barbara continued her painting and her art was exhibited in many galleries. She also continued her writing through books, short stories, and working for a magazine. She interviewed and illustrated celebrities who lived or visited in the area at that time. She covered many pro-am/celebrity tennis matches and productions at the Parker Playhouse Theater. Journalism was her first love. Barbara would substitute and teach art at some of the local schools in her spare time. She moved her mother to Eustis in 1997 (who lived to be 102) and she followed in 1998 to be closer to her mother, daughter, and grandchildren. Barbara was a member of the Mount Dora Art League since 1998 and active with the Lake Eustis Museum of Art. Barbara loved the beach and ocean. It was the only place she felt free and close to God. She loved animals and had many dogs. “Gigi” (her last dog) was her soul mate companion. She wrote many stories and poems about her in addition to many paintings. Barbara loved jazz, classical, and Native American music. She was an environmentalist and concerned for the safety and preservation of all wildlife and the Native American Culture. When she moved into Bayview Nursing Home, she was loved by many and she was always smiling. She was Customer of the Month and a member of Bayview’s Butterfly Society. Whisper “I love you” to a butterfly and it will fly to Heaven to deliver your message. Barbara is survived by: 2 daughters: Alison Moon Perry Pidgeon (Dennis Pidgeon), Laurel Hazard Perry Armstrong (Gerald D. Armstrong, Jr.); 6 grandchildren: Lukas Pidgeon (wife, Lana Pidgeon), Oliver Pidgeon, Kendell Pidgeon, Ayla Pidgeon, Cody Armstrong and Lane Armstrong; 1 Great grandchild: Reeza Pidgeon (Lukas and Lana); 1 Niece: Nancy Bross Roles; 1 Great Niece: Angelique Secondine. In lieu of flowers: www.stjo.org ; www.nature.org ; www.sierraclub.org ; or www.nrdc.org