In Memory of Barbara Jean Wilkins Cushman

Barbara Jean Wilkins Cushman, aged 69, wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to all, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021, in the company of her children. She was born on July 14, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy and Randolph Wilkins.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Barbara. She loved a quiet evening with friends and family with a glass of wine in hand. During the summer she enjoyed the beauty of her garden and the occasional creature seen from her porch on the coast of Maine. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities—from playing Candy Crush on her iPad, to her afternoon naps with her grandpup Morgan. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. 

She married the love of her life, Bernard “Sonny” Victor Cushman Jr, in March of 1973, who proceeded her in death in 2020. Together they raised their children in Charleston, SC, before settling down on Marco Island for nearly 30 years. They recently purchased a home together in Naples. The space allowed her to display her numerous Christmas decorations—a topic often described by Sonny as being “way too much.” Any fan of the holidays, however, would know she had the perfect amount.

Barbara’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death, her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She leaves behind her three children Daniel and his wife Jenn, Alicia, and Bernie, and her five grandchildren Jimmy, Andrew, Daniel Jr., Amelia, and Brenden.

Please join us in celebrating her life and love of animals on Saturday, June 12, 2021, between 3 PM and 5 PM at Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary, 11280 Laakso Ln, Naples, FL 34114.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary at alyssasanimalsanctuary.com.