NASHUA – Barbara A. Barnes, 89, of Nashua N.H. passed away peacefully on December 19, 2023 with loving family members by her bedside.

Barbara was born March 30th, 1934, on “Abbott Hill” in Wilton, NH. Growing up in rural Wilton, she was a “country girl” at heart.

After graduating from Wilton High (Class of 52′) she went on to attend secretarial school with the US Department of the Air Force. Hard working, independent and extremely organized, Barbara excelled in her career. Highlights of her many years as a secretary include employment in Washington DC and later years for a NH House Speaker.

By nature, Barbara was a kind, loving and generous person to those around her; perceiving a need and always trying to help. In retirement she assisted seniors in her community through volunteer work for “Senior Companion”, she was a helping hand with a smiling face!

Barbara was a proud mother, loving her two sons tremendously. Pleased of their accomplishments and rarely spoke ill of them (even when justified!)

She was a “cat person”; adopting and doting on many; allowing their independence while loving the companionship.

Shopping and “yard sale-ing” (both going to and having her own) were always on her list (of which she had many!). A lot of laughs and good times were had with her niece, Joanne Wirta, during the “yard sale years”. Always on the hunt for a bargain and eager to tell you how much was saved!

Other activities and hobbies she enjoyed were Sewing/knitting/crocheting and crafting, just to mention a few. Barbara loved the many country western music concerts often attended with her daughter-in-law, Claire Vander-Heyden.

Family was important to Barbara. Over the years she kept in touch with the relatives from Manchester to Colorado (driving there often).

She loved breathing the fresh mountain air during her trips to New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains.

Barbara’s kindness, cheerful smile, good attitude, and sharp mind with a memory for details, will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son, Mark Vander-Heyden, 3 grandchildren, Jesse, Cory and Amana Vander-Heyden, two great-grandchildren, Rebecca Colby and Jase Vander-Heyden, nieces, nephews and cousins, and her beloved cat Jasmine.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Robert Barnes, her parents, James L. Sheldon & Henrietta (Jonas) Kortes, her son, Kevin Vander-Heyden, two sisters, Norma Dunn and Ann Ouellette, and a brother, Joe Gagnon (sr).

SERVICES: There were no calling hours, however, a celebration of life is being planned.