Barbara Jopling Bielecki

Nags Head- In her own words: Barbara Jopling Bielecki of Nags Head NC, Age 83, died on May 8, 2010, of ennui.

Mrs. Bielecki was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1926 and was raised in Belmont, Massachusetts. She graduated from Simmons College in 1948 with a degree in Journalism and English. After working as editor of the Shoe and Leather Reporter in Boston, MA., she joined American Airlines as a stewardess based in Washington DC. She married Leon Bielecki, a fellow American Airlines employee in 1954. Her post-airline career included working as assistant to the president of AB&W Transit Company; writing for the Alexandria Journal newspaper; and teaching at Annandale High School.

In the 1970’s, Mrs. Bielecki was active on the Alexandria Beautification Committee, in charge of school grounds cleanup and tree planting. During the conversion of the Parkfairfax community from rental to condominium status, she acted as liaison between the tenants and owner/developer, explaining and participating in the 4-year conversion process. She received an award as “First Lady of Parkfairfax” for her efforts. She established the Ipso Facto Gallery in Nags Head, NC in 1991 and acted as both owner and buying agent for the gallery; her son managed the gallery. Her husband, Leon Bielecki, died in 1987.

She is survived by her son Barney Bielecki of Nags Head. In 2008 she moved to Nags Head and remained there until her death, from old age and ennui. In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, no services are planned, and in lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Simmon’s College at 300 Fenway Boston, Mass. 02115.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.Condolences may be expressed via the  online registry.