Obituaries

Barbara Holland

WESTFIELD – Barbara Holland of Westfield passed away on Sunday, January 12th— at home surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on March 4, 1929 in Torrington Connecticut. She lived a vibrant life and truly left a legacy of love and family for us to cherish. Barbara descends from the Wyman family of Blandford. Her mother, the late Edythe Genevieve Wyman of Blandford Massachusetts, was married to Paul Wallbank of Torrington Connecticut. Barbara’s father Paul was killed in World War II and is buried in Manila on the Philippine islands. Her mother Edythe lived until the age of 96 and died in Westfield in August of 2006. Barbara grew up with her two brothers Joe and Paul in Blandford. They spent time together fishing and swimming. Barbara was also an exceptional tennis player. Barbara was married at a young age to the late Robert Marshall and had her first three children—Gail Freeman of Westfield; Robert Marshall of West Springfield; and Paul Marshall of South Korea. Barbara attended the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with her class in 1961.   Since 2014, Barbara resided at the Arbors in Westfield Massachusetts. She always remarked how wonderful the staff and residents were to her over the years.

Barbara‘s family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff and residents of the Arbors of Westfield Massachusetts for their steadfast care and companionship given to our mother. Barbara’s family also would like to recognize the doctors and nurses from Baystate Hospital; the staff from Heritage Hall West (Daisy Wing) in Agawam; and most recently the loving care provided by Baystate Hospice— specifically her exceptional nurse Lorianne and home health aide Robin. Barbara was a Christian with unwavering faith; she looked forward to meeting her Savior Jesus Christ and also those family who have passed before her—especially her mother and father, and her beloved daughter Shari and son Shane. Barbara’s legacy was her family. She leaves her brother Terry, her six remaining children, 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren to honor and remember what she taught us, “To do the best we can-one day at a time, to love and forgive each other and never lose faith in the promise of His grace, redemption, and everlasting life.”

A private memorial service and burial for Barbara will be held on Saturday, June 20th to honor and remember our beloved mother and cherished Nanny.  Donations may be made to: Baystate Health Hospice Foundation, 280 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199, Memo: Barbara Holland, (Hospice Home Health Care)

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