A Life Remembered: Barb Gentry, owner of Silk & Satin, made a life out of making memories last forever | Local News

Barb Gentry relies on a party arrangement.

An exhibition that Barb Gentry created for the Tremper High School graduation ceremony.

Just married Julie (Gentry) Kelsey shows off the flowers and arrangements her mother Barb Gentry created for her wedding in 2000.

Barb Gentry, second from left, with her family, son Jim, husband Norm, and daughter Julie.

Barb Gentry, far left, in front of her store Silk and Satin Downtown Kenosha this summer.

Publisher’s Note: In this occasional series, the Kenosha News takes a look at the life of a recently deceased Kenosha County resident. We share with you a life we ​​will remember through the memories of family and friends.

Barb Gentry made her life out of creating memories that literally last forever.

She filled the rooms with a variety of memorable silk flower arrangements and brightened the brides’ days with corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets of silk flowers. She also made silk floral art for graduation and themed decorations for weddings, musical evenings, and birthday parties.

Sue Savaglio-Jarvis, KUSD superintendent and long-time friend, says her fondest memories of Barb were at graduation ceremonies. “She was so proud of the graduation stages looking beautiful,” she said.

Barb’s personality was also colorful.

“She brightened rooms and events with flowers and stories,” said her husband Norm.

“Barb was such a sweet soul and just as beautiful (like her flowers),” said Savaglio-Jarvis.

Paulette Garin, local piano and singing teacher, recalls: “Barbara helped my students set milestones.”

Barbara Ann Bloom Gentry, 69, Kenosha, died on February 6th at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine.