Barbara was a 1937 graduate of Waterbury High School and, following her marriage, worked several years as office manager for Joe Wood's Coal Co. in Waterbury. Busy as a homemaker and raising her family, Barbara later worked at Radio Vermont - WDEV in Waterbury where she held a variety of positions before working many years as the office manager for St. Johnsbury Trucking at their Pine Street location in Burlington, from which she retired.
Her memberships included the Emerald Rebekah Lodge #33 of Waterbury, was a member for over 50 years of the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Auxiliary Unit 59 in Waterbury, the Waterbury Historical Society, the Wesley United Methodist Church and the Blush Hill Country Club, both of Waterbury.
A lifelong enthusiast of women's basketball, Barbara also enjoyed fishing, golfing, flower gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Spending time with her family, and in particular her grandchildren, brought her complete joy and were her happiest times.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Barrett Gates and his wife Jacquelyne of Morrisville, NY, and Michael Gates of Waterbury Center; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Fisher.
Memorial services were held from the Wesley United Methodist Church in Waterbury on Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. with a reception following in the church dining room. Friends called at the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Spring inurnment will take place in the Waterbury Center Cemetery. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
