Barbara A. Libbey

Barbara A Libbey, 80, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Oct 1, 2023, after battling a brief illness.

Born in Chelsea, MA to parents Alfred and Eva Sawayer, her family moved to Worcester where she was raised in the vibrant Lebanese neighborhood of Grafton Hill, a notable area that tended to attract many celebrities eager to visit the landmark restaurant El Morocco (where Barbara worked briefly as a waitress when she was older).

A graduate of Classical High School, she attended Framingham State and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After graduation, she moved to Chatham, MA where she taught first and second grade English. Later she relocated back to Worcester to teach in Grafton, MA. It was there that one of her co-workers introduced her to Paul Libbey, a carpenter, wallpaper hanger, and resident of Sutton, MA.

Barbara and Paul married in 1971, lived in Sutton, and would later settle in Worcester’s west side shortly after the birth of their 2 children. Barbara left teaching to be a full-time mom, but once her children were older, Barbara accepted a position at New England Electric Service Company in Westborough, MA (now National Grid USA). Her career there would span many years and positions, eventually retiring from the accounting department in 2003. She was also an active member of the company’s Social Club where she made several long-lasting friendships.

Shortly after retiring from National Grid, Barbara and her husband moved to the Ocala area of Florida where they could enjoy year-round gardening and explore the area’s many natural attractions. However, the pull of New England called them back to be closer to family and friends. They found the perfect house in Holden, MA to make their home where they would continue to enjoy retirement. 

Always a curious learner, Barbara’s interests included cooking, baking, canning, gardening, folk-painting, piano, antiquing, sewing, dancing, and traveling. She also enjoyed caring for animals and loved spoiling her grand-dog Godiva.

Barbara leaves behind her husband of 51 years, Paul Libbey of Worcester, MA; her daughter Mary Libbey of Orlando, FL; her son David Libbey and his partner Heather Lourie of Worcester, MA; her sister, Sandra Lindstrom of Holden; her nephew Greg Lindstrom and his wife Ornela of Shrewsbury MA; her great nieces Sofia and Maya Lindstrom; and many cousins and family members throughout central MA and beyond.

Family and friends are invited to gather with Barbara’s family on Friday, October 6, from 9 a.m. until her Funeral Service begins at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Interment at Hope Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in her name to the Worcester Animal Rescue League. 

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