Barbara Maria Dammel

Barbara Maria (Krause) Dammel, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, traveler, and fiercely unforgettable soul, passed away on May 17th, just seven days after celebrating her 70th birthday on the island she loved so deeply, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, Barbara moved through life with remarkable moxie, boundless curiosity, and a spirit that refused to settle for ordinary.

With broken hearts, we lay to rest a woman whose adventurous soul and fearless ambition left a permanent imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Barbara chased beauty wherever she could find it, through 4 continents full of winding European streets, exotic localities and history-rich destinations; among the picturesque rocks of the Southwest, around crowded dinner tables filled with laughter, and in the quiet moments where good food, good conversation, and the people she loved most came together.

She carried a wanderlust that shaped her life and the lives of those around her. Whether exploring Antelope Canyon, traveling through Europe, or simply following the scent of something delicious down an unfamiliar street, Barbara believed life was meant to be experienced fully, courageously, and with open eyes. She taught those she loved that refinement was never about wealth or appearances, but about curiosity, confidence, elegance, but most of all authenticity. She taught her daughter to stand her ground, to have opinions, to laugh loudly, to remain unapologetically herself, and that traveling the world expands not only the mind, but also the heart.

Barbara devoted much of her life to education, teaching Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler Schule in Germany and as an adjunct professor at TCNJ for German language studies. She inspired generations of students not only through knowledge, but through her unmistakable presence, sharp wit, intelligence, and passion for the world around her.

Above all else, Barbara loved her family deeply. She was the guiding "north star" in her daughter Anne-Kathrin’s life, a source of wisdom, strength, humor, and unwavering love. She adored her granddaughters, Emelyn-Jane, Adeline, Zarana, and Rhea, affectionately referring to them as her “little monsters,” a nickname spoken always with laughter and love. Few things brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her girls, sharing stories, adventures, meals, and moments together.

Barbara also carried profound heartbreak in her life. Four years ago, she lost her beloved son, Christian Dammel, who passed far too soon. Though the pain of that loss never left her, her love for him endured fiercely and endlessly.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne-Kathrin Dammel; her son-in-law, Francesco; her cherished granddaughters, Emelyn-Jane, Adeline, Zarana, and Rhea; her sister, Gabriele, and Alexander Jertz; Irmeli, Rolf, Martin, Simon, and Justus Heiser; Dorothea, Michael, Esther-Katarina, Tara, Tido Soeder, and Maximilian Mosler-Soeder; Ralph Dammel (ex-husband); and her loyal dog, Murphy, who now finds himself a part of a pack with 3 furry sisters at her daughter's house in Georgia.

The pain of losing Barbara is immeasurable and undefinable. Yet even in grief, we are comforted knowing that a spirit like hers does not simply disappear. It lives on in every "deep breath moment", every passport stamp, every unforgettable meal shared among friends, and every moment we choose to simply be together.

“Those we love never truly leave us.” Romans 8:38–39

The funeral Mass for Barbara Dammel is on June 2nd at 10:00 AM at St. Francis by the Sea (45 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926), followed by a "feast" and celebration of life at Poseidon (38 Shelter Cove Ln #121, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928) immediately after.

Barbara loved color, joy and togetherness, so attire is “island vibes”... think colorful, comfortable and full of life as we send her off with love. Please come prepared to share a favorite memory, story, or moment you had with Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation in Barbara’s honor, helping preserve the culture, history, art, and identity of the island and people she loved so deeply.

https://lowcountrygullahfoundation.org/donate/