NORTHAMPTON – Barbara M. (MacKinnon) Dusenberry, 86, died peacefully at home on Saturday (11-5-2016). Born on December 23, 1929 in Portland, Maine, she was the daughter of Edward and Karen (Nelson) MacKinnon. She grew up in Yarmouth, Maine and graduated as valedictorian from the North Yarmouth Academy in 1946. Barbarareceived a teaching degree from Boston University, and later attended Westfield State receiving a certificate in Special Education. She was a devoted teacher of special needs children in North Adams, Montague and Greenfield, and served several years at Fort River Elementary in Amherst before retiring in 1994.
While in Boston, Barbara met her husband of 63 years, the Rev. John Dusenberry. As a pastor’s wife and deeply spiritual person, Barbara was very active in each of the churches John served throughout Massachusetts. During their time at the First United Methodist Church in Greenfield, and a long-standing member, Barbara devoted her time to various missions including Community Meals, the prayer shawl ministry, and belonged to various church groups. In addition to her church community, Barbara enjoyed music, baking, sewing and reading. She greatly enjoyed spending time with family, and traveling to Maine to visit and be near the ocean. Over the years she developed many fond friendships, particularly during her twelve year residency at Rockridge in Northampton.Barbara also had the opportunity to travel cross country with John on several Elderhostels, and abroad to Israel, Germany, and Scotland.
Survivors include her husband, Rev. John A. Dusenberry; two sons: John E. (Cheryl) of Virginia and Tim (Sabine) of Turners Falls; two daughters: Johanna (Henri) Foucher of Ohio and Kristine (David) Shutta of Gill; eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Betty Street of Windham, Maine and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her grandson Ian Dusenberry and her two older brothers, Robert and Stuart MacKinnon.
A memorial service for Barbara will be held at the Rockridge Retirement Community on Friday, November 18th at 10:00 am.Weather permitting, a committal service will take placeat the Riverside Cemetery in North Yarmouth, Maine on Monday, November 21st at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockridge, 37 Coles Meadow Road, or Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice, 168 Industrial Drive, both in Northampton, MA 01060.
Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home, 14 High Street, Greenfield.
