WORTHINGTON – Barbara (Palmer) Pease, 97, peacefully passed away on January 25th surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on March 20th, 1927, daughter of Kenneth and Mildred (Peebles) Palmer. She grew up in Blandford and graduated from Westfield High School in 1945. She was active in several sports and starred in tennis. After high school, she worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator before becoming a homemaker. Barb was well known for her baking and cake decorating skills. She made many treasured multilayered wedding cakes for family and friends. After her children grew-up she enjoyed working in the cafeteria of Gateway Regional School District for several years.
Barbara was a woman of strong Christian faith. She was a member of the Worthington Congregational Church, a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Friendship Guild, and a member of the Women’s Benevolent Society. She participated in Bible Study Groups and played in the Handbell Choir. Barb was a Girl Scout Leader, served on the Worthington COA Board for 19 years and participated in the COA Knitting Group. She was a program leader for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Healthy Bones and Balance exercise program.
Barb was an avid UConn Women’s Basketball Team fan and enjoyed watching the Red Sox play. Her favorite pastime was attending the athletic games of her grandchildren. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States including visiting her grandchildren. One of her regular destinations was their camp in Windham, Vermont. The camp, better known as the Snuggle Inn, was where she would go to escape the “hustle and bustle” of Worthington.
Barbara is survived by her children Gary Pease of Westfield, Gail Lucey and her husband Michael of Chesterfield, and Marcia Estelle and her husband Stephen of Worthington. She leaves seven proud and admiring grandchildren, Mark Pease and his wife Marisa of Feeding Hills, Rebecca Freeman and husband John of Chicopee, Kristen Cuddy-Pease and her wife Natalie of Leeds, Stephen Estelle and wife Kristen of Goshen, Erin Borsari and husband Josh of Plympton, David Lucey and wife Carol of Cambridge, and Thomas Lucey and wife Kate of Chicago, IL. Barbara also leaves 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Admiration and love for Aunt Barb extends to nieces, nephews and beyond.
Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband, Kenneth Pease, Jr. and her cherished daughter-in-law Nan Pease. She was also predeceased by her brothers Leon and Herbert Palmer; her sisters Bernice Cooley, Ellen Tatro and Leah Mollison.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Worthington Congregational Church on March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. with a reception at the Worthington Town Hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worthington Congregational Church, PO Box 536, Worthington, MA 01098.
Williamsburg Funeral Home in Haydenville assisted the family with her cremation.
