Barbara was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island in 1935. She, her brother, and her sister grew up there and spent their summers on Cape Cod. Her father, William, was a Rhode island Supreme Court Justice and her mother, Esther “assisted” him with his career due to his blindness.

Barbara met her husband, Frank while in first grade and they were high school sweethearts, marrying in 1953. He worked as a Rhode Island State Trooper, and she worked multiple jobs in banking and retail but mostly devoted her time to her four children, Barbara, Frank, Cheryl, and Steve, and service to her community. At one point before moving to Charlottesville, Barbara and Frank had a small sporting goods store, focusing on team sports. She was always very active in her church, coordinating and overseeing the church’s soup kitchen for many years. She was also a tour guide for Ash Lawn-Highland and for the local Historical Society. Barbara ran the Little Shop before moving to OLOP in 2019. She continued to oversee all aspects of the shop until this past April after 19 years. She was also the President of the Resident Council for four years.

Barbara traveled to forty-seven states as well as to England, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, but her mission work in Haiti made the biggest impact in her life.

Not only was she proud of her four children but also her nine grandchildren and loved getting to know her seven great grandchildren. She was always able to bring smiles to their faces! Barbara will be remembered as being quick witted, a force of nature, was always willing to tackle a new challenge, and was a faithful and loving child of God. She will be greatly missed by the OLOP community.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.