Barbara T. Stapleford

Barbara T. Stapleford, 88, of Milford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Barbara was born to Michael, and Vera Thomas, April 06, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY and lived a long, happy, and memorable life. She made a lasting impression on anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

Barbara graduated from St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle, NY and then moved on to obtain a degree from the College of Mt. Saint Vincent. She also received a nursing degree from the Cornell School of Nursing. She worked as a Nurse in many capacities including labor & delivery, public health, and management and absolutely loved it. 

Barbara is survived by 1 child: Paula Hutcheon (Robert Hutcheon) and also is survived by 2 grandchildren - Laura and Alex – all of whom were the pride and joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister - Susan MacKay (Don MacKay), brother-in-law – Christopher Winslow, sister-in-law – Mary Thomas, and 9 nieces and nephews. She worshiped her family and was always looked up to as an amazing and strong woman.

She was a woman of dedicated faith and rarely missed a weekly mass or religious holiday. In later years, she was a greeter at St. Mary Church in Milford and always remained an active part of the church community.

Barbara loved the holidays and any chance to decorate and celebrate with her beloved family members, which brought joy to the entire family and inspired many great traditions. She always loved music and especially enjoyed the classical genre.

Barbara also cherished animals of all kinds. She participated in a number of charitable organizations for animals and taught her family to love them just the same. She respected all nature and particularly enjoyed visiting the beach, whether it be in Connecticut, New York, or Bermuda –which was one of her favorite places to travel to.

Barbara spent her last 3 ½ years at Maplewood of Orange in Orange, CT and all of the staff there became family.

Barbara is now reunited with her brother Michael Paul Thomas and sister Mary Winslow who preceded her in death. She will always be remembered as a ray of light and the legacy of Barbara’s kind spirit, passion for helping others, love of nature, and zest for life will live on through her adoring family.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 19, 2018, 11:00am at St. Mary Church in Milford, CT.  A reception will follow at Father Cronin Hall. Family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/Barbara_Stapleford and the ASPCA at www.aspca.org. 

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