Barbara M. Kulju

Barbara Kulju, 77, passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2026, after falling and breaking her hip in March and after years of battling dementia. Barb was born March 16, 1949 in Buffalo, New York and was raised in Boulder, Colorado.

Barb grew up in a large family of four brothers and one sister. She moved to Portland Oregan in the 1970s where she met her husband, Terry, and started a family. She relocated back to Boulder in 1982 after Terry's death and raised her daughters in Boulder, working in retail and as a home health aide.

Barb, also known as "Mama Mia," "Grandma Barb," and "Grandma GB," loved to gab, watch current events, talk politics, and keep in touch with others through her many thoughtful cards and long phone conversations. Barb possessed the gift of dates and numbers and would never forget a birthday. In 2018, Barb relocated from Boulder to Fort Collins to live with her daughter. She kept very busy going daily to the local senior center, participating in fitness classes and field trips.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Greta Hoopes (Richard) and Brenda Kulju (Andy), four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Terry, her parents Sam and Jean Dugan, and her brother Bill.

For the last year of Barb's life, she enjoyed going to Elderhaus in Fort Collins, visiting local sites, making crafts, and socializing with fellow participants. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elderhaus, a wonderful non-profit that supports people living with dementia and other cognitive and physical disabilities ( https://elderhaus.org/ ). Per Barb's request, there will be no service.