Barbara was born on July 16, 1935, in Naugatuck, CT, daughter of the late Helen Chmielinski Jones and stepfather Edward Jones. She attended Prospect Street Elementary School in Naugatuck, then Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, where she was valedictorian. She attended St. Joseph College, majoring in chemistry. She then earned her master's degree in library science at Columbia University. She moved to Stamford in 1958. Working at American Cyanamid as a literature chemist, Barbara met her beloved husband of 57 years, Peter. After their children were older, Barbara started a second career as reference librarian at the Ferguson Library, where she worked for more than 25 years.
Barbara was an avid reader and follower of current events. She enjoyed attending programs at the Stamford Jewish Community Center and the Stamford Senior Center. She was a longtime member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. Barbara kept active with twice daily walks through the neighborhood, where she was a familiar sight. She enjoyed baking, especially for her six grandchildren, doing the daily crossword puzzle, and listening to classical music on WQXR.
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Barbara will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, and great hugs. She will be deeply missed by many.
Barbara is survived by her children Anna (James Francoeur), Helen (Robert Braun), Margaret (Mark Chernauskas), and James (Kirsten Herstad); and grandchildren Ernest, Alexander, Wesley, Tess, Matthew, and Ella. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Peter, son Vincent, sister Sandra Sweet, and son-in-law Robert Braun.
A mass will be held in celebration on Saturday, January 22 at 10 AM at Saint Gabriel's Church, 948 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT, with burial to follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rock Rimmon Rd, Stamford, CT. Final arrangements will be handled by Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara's name to the Ferguson Library Foundation, 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford CT 06901. To leave online memories and condolences, please visit LeoPGallagherStamford.com
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