Barbara Ann (Burke) Carpenter, 69, of Shrewsbury, MA passed away Monday, October 29th at home surrounded by family.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of forty-seven years, C. Allan (Skip) Carpenter Jr.; three daughters, Christine Carpenter and her husband, Erik Cade of Rutland, Kimberly and her husband, Karl Youkstetter of Shrewsbury, and Sarah and her husband, Rick Holland, also of Shrewsbury; her four siblings, Ellen Daley, Marilyn Trecartin, Arnold Burke, and Richard Burke. She was predeceased by a brother, Robert C Burke. Barbara is also survived by her eight wonderful granddaughters, Tiffany, Beth, Samantha, and Rebecca True, Jessica Carpenter, Rebecca and Marissa Bommarito, and Catherine Holland; one great-grandson Joshua Boyle as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Barbara was the daughter of the late Dennis and Gladys (Rankin) Burke. She was born in 1943 in Lynn, Massachusetts. She graduated from Worcester State College with a degree in History and worked as a fifth grade teacher in Boylston for several years. Barbara was a well-known and beloved reference librarian for the Shrewsbury Public Library for many years. During those years, Barbara continued her education by earning her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. She retired from the library in 1998, but remained dedicated to the library through numerous projects, community involvement, and as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Barbara and her husband enjoyed traveling; they drove thousands of miles together in restored antique automobiles with the Autoneers Region of the Horseless Carriage Club of America. She was the best navigator, no matter where they were she always knew where they were going. Barbara blended her two loves, reading and antique cars by creating numerous mystery tours for the car clubs. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother whose loss will be mourned by friends and family.
There will be no immediate services or calling hours. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury is assisting the Carpenter family with arrangements.