Barbara Ann Korteling, age 87, passed away on January 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and community spirit. Born on June 19, 1936, in Salisbury, North Carolina, to the late Philip N. and Barbara Norman Peacock, she was the oldest of seven children. Throughout her life, she fostered close connections with her siblings, their families, and cherished friends in Salisbury and Georgia.
As a young adult, Barbara moved to Atlanta to work for Owens-Illinois, and soon met the love of her life, Richard Korteling, on a blind date. Together, they built a life filled with love, joy, and shared adventures, raising their two children, Karen and David, in Dunwoody. She made the Korteling home warm and welcoming for family and friends, especially during the holidays, where her culinary expertise brought extended family together.
Barbara's creative talents were evident in her eye for color and pattern, and her sewing skills beautifully adorned the family home. Barbara and Richard shared a love for gardening, engaging in landscaping projects that transformed their surroundings. They traveled extensively, including visiting all fifty states and many countries.
Deeply involved in the community, Barbara served as president of the Village Mill Neighborhood Association, where she organized social activities and events such as bridge groups, progressive dinners, and festivals. Additionally, she took an active role in her children's lives, serving as Karen's Girl Scout troop leader and frequently participating as a room mother for Karen or David. Gathering people together was a passion that defined Barbara's spirit.
A devoted sports fan, Barbara spent many evenings with Richard, cheering on the Atlanta Braves or watching college basketball. Her love for reading was also notable, and she was a familiar face at her local library, often leaving with a stack of books.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Mary Lucy Shelton, Norma Peacock, and Phyllis Peacock Miller. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Korteling, and her two loving children: daughter, Karen Korteling, of Palatine, Illinois, and son, David Korteling, of Washington, D.C. Barbara leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Ray Rothschild and Sawyer Rothschild, as well as siblings Kathryn Loan, Nancy (Howard) Bluett, and William (Judy) Peacock, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara's impact on her family, friends, and community will be remembered with fondness and gratitude. Her legacy of love, hospitality, and community engagement will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.
A memorial service will take place on Sunday, February 25 at 1pm at Northside Chapel at 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 645-1414, followed by interment at Arlington Memorial Park at 201 Mt. Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, 404-255-0750.

Memorials may be made in Barbara's name to the American Heart Association to support stroke research.

Please visit https://www.northsidechapel.com/obituaries/ to share memories and leave condolences for the family.