Barbara Joan Edwards

Barbara Joan Gulomb Edwards, 79, peacefully passed away on April 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as solid as her opinions and as stubborn as her determination. Barbara was reunited in heaven with her husband of 42 years, John L. Edwards ("Ed"), her parents, Bernard and Martha (Michaud) Gulomb, and her sister, Norma Gulomb.

Barbara's steadfastness and unwavering convictions weren’t just personality traits; they were practically a family tradition, passed down like an heirloom to her children, Bernard J. Edwards (Christine) of Cypress, TX, and Gary V. Edwards (Katie) of Bensalem, PA, and even to her "adopted" daughter, Kari Slattberg of Norwich, CT.

A trailblazer since her days at Norwich Free Academy, Barbara pursued knowledge and excellence, culminating in her Executive Secretarial Associates Degree from Becker Junior College in Worcester in 1965. Her professional journey led her to the corridors of the U.S. Geological Survey, where she served as the Secretary to the Chief of Marine Geology, adding her touch of efficiency to the workings of the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C. Her return to Connecticut marked the beginning of a new chapter, where she graced Church & Allen Funeral Service with her presence in the mid-eighties, bringing solace and comfort to those in mourning.

In the tapestry of her life, Barbara wove many precious moments with her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Jonathan, and Vivian Edwards, Jacqueline Dubois-Harrison, Kalvin and Ingrid Thibodeau, and Bennett and Johanna Harrison, nurturing bonds that will endure beyond the bounds of time.

Friends and loved ones are invited to celebrate Barbara's life during calling hours at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St. in Norwich, on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at the Church and Allen Funeral Home at 10 am, followed by her interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave, in Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Barbara's compassionate spirit, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org or to Saint Bernard School at www.saintbernardschool.org.