MONTGOMERY – Barbara Lee (1929 – 2022), born on October 2nd, 1929, passed away peacefully at her home, attended lovingly by her daughter, Kathy Lee Scholpp, on August 17th, 2022. She was born in Montgomery, MA to L. Edson and Lena (Pueschel) Washburn. She was a graduate of Westfield High School and the University of Massachusetts and worked for 24 years for the Westfield Department of Welfare, where she was admired, loved, and respected as Assistant Director of the office.
After retirement, she spent many years as a snowbird, traveling back and forth to Bonita Springs, Florida, and golfing her way up the East Coast between the homes of her children, Carol in North Carolina and Jeff in Virginia. Although she suffered in her last years from Alzheimer’s, she never stopped taking part in family activities until she was completely disabled. Her daughter, Kathy Lee, together with her partner, Tom Pennington, included Barb in activities and travel plans, right up to the 2022 Creation Festival in Shirleysburg, PA one month before she died. She was an athlete, avid golfer, bowler, softball player, beach comber, a faithful volunteer in the Lutheran church, and a stalwart supporter and advocate for mothers who were treated unfairly in family court proceedings. She took part in their struggle and worked for change in defense of at-risk children.
Barbara is survived by her sisters Betty Bodendorf and Arlene Bodurtha, her devoted younger brother Gene Washburn, and her three children, Kathy Lee, Carol Holmes, and Jeff Lee. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Joseph Holmes, Gabrielle, Samantha, Connor, and Jonathan Lee, and Holden Lee Scholpp, as well as many other treasured family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Charles Lee, her brothers Gerald and George Washburn, and her dear friend and caregiver Tom Pennington.
A celebration of life will be held at Russell Community Church on 55 Main Street in Russell on Saturday, September 10th, at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made in Barb’s memory to Baystate Home Health, 30 Capital Drive, Suite A., West Springfield, MA 01089.
