LUDLOW – It is with deep sorrow that the family of Barbara Jean (Lemon) Perry announces her passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Barbara passed away at home on September 11th, 2025. Barbara was born on March 6th, 1956, in Palmer, MA to the late Carl Lemon, Sr. and Edith Leighton Murray. She was a 1974 graduate of Westfield High School and later attended Western New England College.
Barbara was a successful and well-respected marketing and advertising professional in Western Mass, recently retiring from Reminder Publishing in 2023 after many years of service as VP of Sales and Marketing. She served as past President and Board Member of the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA), Free Community Newspapers of New England (FCPNE) and was a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Barbara loved life and a good time. She was happiest, surrounded by family and friends, listening to music with a nice glass of bourbon in her hand. She enjoyed traveling and recently spent a year living abroad in Spain with her husband Steve.
Barbara is survived by her husband Stephen Gillis of Ludlow; her sons, Wayne Mathew Perry (Nicole Marquis) and William Arthur Perry; stepdaughter Elena Gillis, siblings, Carl Lemon (Doreene), Keith Lemon, Sr. (Lori), Jeffrey Lemon, and Lisa Lemon; and brothers-in-law, Timothy Gillis (Catherine) and Peter Gillis (Mimi).
“Auntie Beebs,” as she was lovingly known, was a constant source of love, laughter, and wisdom to her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
The calling hours will take place on Friday, October 10th, 2025, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12 noon, at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers please consider a Memorial Donation to either:
UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester MA. Their primary fundraiser is the annual UMass Cancer Walk. https://www.umasscancerwalk.org/
or Brookhaven Hospice of Massachusetts and New Hampshire
https://www.brookhavenhospice.com/make_a_donation.php
