Barbara J. Stokoe

Barbara J. (McWhorter) Stokoe 85, died Monday January 4, 2021 in the compassionate care of the staff at Golden View Health Care Center in Meredith, N.H. She was the adored wife of the late John C. Stokoe with whom she lovingly shared 60 years of marriage before his death on April 20 2019.

Barbara Jane McWhorter was born January 21, 1935 to the late J. Arthur and Helen (Coulter) McWhorter in Cambridge, N.Y. where she loved, and was loved by, her parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. From early on, her life was greatly influenced by her family and faith in God. When Barbara had children of her own she introduced them to the simple pleasures of Cambridge; visits to the Popcorn Wagon, savoring a King's Bakery donut and swimming in Hedges Lake.

The McWhorter family, including Barbara's beloved younger brother Jim, settled in Delmar, N.Y. Barbara was known for her natural athleticism and love of the outdoors. She enjoyed ice skating on a smooth frozen pond, shooting hoops with neighbors and facing a competitive opponent on the tennis court. She held leadership roles in school clubs, particularly the Girl's Athletic Association, Band and Choir.

After Barbara graduated from Bethlehem Central High School her desire to help others inspired her to attend Bouve-Boston School and Tufts University where she earned a degree in Physical Therapy.

Barbara married the late John C. Stokoe and settled in Slingerlands, N.Y. where they raised four children. John's job required extensive time away from home so Barbara became well-versed at independently and creatively parenting. Barbara generously gave 100% of herself and established a peaceful, loving and joyful home for her children. By example, Barbara instilled in them a love of all types of music, an active and healthy lifestyle, appreciation of nature and kindness to others. Barbara encouraged each of her children to pursue and grow their own unique talents and interests.

The Delmar United Methodist Church was important to Barbara for spiritual renewal, fellowship, opportunities to serve the wider community, and for providing her children a faith foundation. Barbara found great satisfaction working as a Physical Therapist at the Hallmark Nursing Home. Barbara also cared for her mother-in-law and later, her mother.

In 1994 Barbara and John moved to Newfound Lake N.H. fulfilling her dream of living on a peaceful lake and waking to the sound of loon calls. Upon arrival, they became active members of Bristol United Church of Christ where Barbara especially enjoyed Women's Fellowship and organizing the Crop Walk. Barbara shared her time and energy mentoring young girls through the Circle Program, driving people to doctor appointments and helping in countless other ways through Bristol Community Services. Barbara and John together, and with friends, enjoyed their many outdoor loves, primarily skiing, biking and hiking. In the summers, Barbara delighted in the N.H. Music Festival concerts, tending her garden, and also kayaking or swimming in the lake. For Barbara, the highlight of every summer was having her children, their spouses, and her six grandsons together at the lake. Her family will remember Barbara for her lifetime of love and selfless giving to others.

Barbara is survived by her children, Lisa Barrett, Don Stokoe, both of Hebron, N.H., Lynda Wade of Lewiston, ME, and Leann Stokoe (Slade Warner) of Plymouth, N.H.; grandsons Dylan and Calvin Barrett of CO, Griffin and Gunnar Wade of ME., and Seth and Troy Warner of N.H.; sister-in-law Fern McWhorter and nieces, Kim Gorham and Lynda Krokoff. She was the sister of the late Jim McWhorter who passed after her death on April 3, 2021.

Her family and friends will continue to honor her beautiful memory.

For those who wish, a donation in loving memory of Barbara can be made to: The New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Association 166 S River Rd #210, Bedford, NH 03110 or online at www.alz.org/manh . Newfound Lake Region Association, 10 North Main ST., Unit 1, Bristol, NH 03222. www.newfoundlake.org., or any organization of your choice.