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May Avi's memory be forever a blessing.

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Kudos Board for Avi

We are collecting stories, memories, and moments with Avi.

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Avi's Kudo Board

Aviva Barber Edwards (Nee Christine Ruth Barber)

September 15, 1950 - July 23, 2024

Avi/Mom/Bubbe/Chrissy was a lover of life to the fullest.  She was passionate about contribution and making a difference.  But what she cared about above all else was her people - her family and friends were her everything.

Avi passed unexpectedly on the morning of July 23, 2024 in her home from natural causes. Born in North Hampton, MA, and raised in Dobbs Ferry, NY, to Elinor Anne Gellert and Bernard Barber, Avi's vivacious spirit and boundless energy touched everyone she met.

Avi's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to personal growth and transformation. She earned her BA from the University of Rochester in 1972 and her MSW from the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work in 1975. Her professional career was steeped in her commitment to making a difference as a family therapist and through her impactful work as a Vice President and Executive Coach at an international, transformational, consulting firm.

Avi's stand for making an impact extended far beyond her professional life. She was a vocal activist for environmental protection, the end of world hunger, anti-racism efforts, and liberal political causes. Her dedication to personal transformation led her to Landmark Worldwide, where she stood for integrity and possibility. Avi also reclaimed her Jewish faith later in life and was an active member of the Nevei Kodesh community.

She was an avid reader, lover of Bruce Springsteen, the Jersey shore, cowgirl boots, travel, dance, and a good joint.

Avi is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Clark Edwards.  She also left behind her three beloved children whom she shared with her first husband, David Matthew Smith (d. 2011):  Sage Barbersmith Hobbs (Nathan Hobbs) of Boulder, CO, Luke Richard Barber-Smith (Cara White) of Brooklyn, NY, and Chloe Christine Barber-Smith (Catherine Cook) of Longmont, CO. She was a proud Bubbe to her grandchildren: Jesse Matthew Hobbs (15), Dalila May Hobbs (11), Camille Claire Smith (8), Amaryllis Woodson (8), and Joni Anne Smith (6). Avi also leaves behind her siblings: her twin sister, Leslie Barnard (Arlington, MA), Phillip Barber (New York City, NY), and John Barber (New York City, NY), along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A service and celebration of Avi's life will be held in Boulder on Sunday, July 28th, at 4:00 PM. Please register below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Avi's favorite organizations.  She was bold in her fundraising efforts, and would be thrilled if her memory inspired contributions to things that mattered to her. Please note "in memory of Avi Edwards" when you donate.

Pachamama Alliance

Kamala for President

Nevei Kodesh

She will be remembered for being vibrant, fun, generous, joyful, and full of vitality.  Her energy and enthusiasm were truly unparalleled.

She will be missed “beyond the beyond” and then some more.  As she always said to her kids, “We love you more than all the leaves on all the trees in all the world. And then some.”