Barbara J. Shumway

Barbara Jean (Caruso) Shumway, 69, of Higganum, formerly of Madison, return to our Lord on November 12, 2020 after a courageous twenty- year battle with breast cancer. For nearly forty-nine years, Barbara was the cherished wife of Edward Shumway. Born February 4th 1951 in New Haven to Michael and Margaret (Testa) Caruso. Barbara graduated from West Haven High School and Stone Academy.

Barbara’s dream since the age of five was to become a nurse. After marrying the love of her life in 1972, she enrolled in the Saint Raphael Hospital School of Nursing and begin a career as a License Practical Nurse. Barbara happily worked at Saint Raphael‘s in their Medical Intensive Care Unit for fifteen years before continuing her career in the Madison offices of Dr. Richard Kahrimanis and Dr. Traci Marquis. Barbara was an exceptional nurse and nothing brought her more joy than caring for her patients, except spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.

As her children were growing up, Barbara gave her time and energy as Room Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, and hostess for wrestling team pasta night. Barbara was only too happy to sit through countless hours of sporting competition and dance recitals, and was her children’s biggest fan. After her retirement she was often found at Dunkin’ Donuts, sipping coffee and reading a good book with her husband. Tirelessly loving, she was always giving to others in both her career and her personal life. Sustained in prayer and the Rosary during her times of suffering, to be with her was a moment of grace.

Barbara was the guiding light of her family. Besides her husband and her parents, Barbara is survived by her daughter Heather (Jeremy) Long of New London, her son Michael (Kelly) Shumway of Madison, her son Scott (Jessica) Shumway of Branford, sisters Sharon (Gary) Binowski of Acworth GA, and Kathleen (Joseph) Levenduski, of East Hampton, CT, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Shumway family would like to thank Dr. Harold Levy and Nurse Sue for taking excellent care of Barbara for the last fifty years. They would also like to thank Dr. Wajih Zaheer Kidwai and staff at this Smilow Cancer Center (Guilford) for partnering with Barbara and her entire family during her fight.

Services for Barbara will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara’s name to Smilow Cancer Hospital or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.