Barbara M. Arvan

Barbara M. Arvan, age 83, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away peacefully at her home on January 1, 2021.

Born and raised in Neenah, Wisconsin, she was homecoming queen and graduated from Neenah High School in 1955. She also graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in French in 1959.

Barbara and her husband George moved to Florida in 1961 where they raised their family. While in Florida, she volunteered her time helping with various activities at her children’s schools, including coaching cheerleaders. Barbara also found time to sew, cook, travel, and pursue many other hobbies.

Barbara was dedicated to her family.  She and George moved to Virginia in 1995 so they could be close to their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed family get-togethers and spending holidays with family and friends. Barbara was known for preparing delicious meals and she always had a stash of sweet treats on hand which the grandkids counted on.

Throughout her life and through her hobbies she made many friends. A few of her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, painting, stained glass making, and reading. She even competed in the Virginia State Senior Olympics where she earned a gold medal for basketball free throws. Barbara was an avid card player and many family and friends enjoyed good times and great competition with her.

Survivors include her husband, George Arvan; her children, Nickolas Arvan (Ewelina) and Stacy LaPlaca (Peter); and grandchildren George (Evelyn), William, Drew, Abby, Anastazja, Aleksander, Amelia, Christine (Jia), Stephanie, and Catherine. She has one surviving sibling, Marion Murphy; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ethel Muth; and her brothers, Timmy Muth, Charlie Muth, Eddie Muth, Richard Muth, and Gene Hinz.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made, in her memory, to Mary Washington Hospice. Address: 2600 Mary Washington Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Online donations can be made at hospicegiving.mwhc.com