Chicopee – 
Barbara E. (Rider) Sheehan, 95, died Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Willimansett Center East, Chicopee. She was born February 26, 1922 in New Haven, CT to Frederick K. Rider and Bessie (Curtis) Rider. Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Westfield. She was a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts and Connecticut and retired, from what is now, Baystate Medical Center in 1984. Barbara’s career as a nurse began at Westfield State Sanitarium for TB and Cancer Patients. She worked with the Red Cross to care for the circus fire victims in Hartford, CT. in 1944. Followed by nursing for 17 years at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, CT. Barbara leaves her brother Frederick W. Rider and his wife Mary, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents, sister Nellie and husband David Goodwin and brother Vernon C. Rider and wife Alfreda (Strom) Rider. Barbara loved and enjoyed all her family with casual get-togethers, picnics, trips to the casino and traveling. Nieces and nephews Susie, Sandy, Joan, Fred, Scott, Steve and Joey brought Barbara much happiness with their visits and kindness to her during the time she was in the nursing home. The family sincerely thanks the entire staff at Willimansett Center East for the kind and loving care they gave to Barbara. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3rd at 10 am in the First United Methodist Church, 16 Court Street in Westfield. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. A visiting hour will be held in the church before the service from 9 am till 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Willimansett Center East Activity Fund, 11 St. Anthony Street, Chicopee, MA 01013 or to a charity of one’s Choice.
