CONCORD, N.H. – Mary Barber, 76, died on Aug. 31, 2023, at her home in Concord, N.H., after a courageous battle with a terminal illness. She had the love of her life, Clark, by her side. Mary was born on Aug. 15, 1947, and raised in Bellows Falls, Vt. She lived in the Bellows Falls area until she moved to Concord, N.H., at the age of 68. She is survived by her husband of 42 years Clark Barber. After having their first date when she was 16 years old, they were reunited later in life, and married in 1981. Mary is also survived by her daughters Cheryl Reed Niyangoda (Sujith) of Norwell, Mass., and Tammy Armstrong (Jon) of Rockingham, Vt.; step daughters Heidi Barber of Marshfield, Mass., and Shelly Barber of Greensboro, N.C.; grandchildren Daniel Armstrong (Samantha), Christopher Armstrong (Olivia), Ethan and Emilia Niyangoda, and Garrett Walker; and many nieces and nephews. She was also blessed to have spent time with her two great-granddaughters Elanor and Lydia, and learned of a great grandson to be.
A graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Mary held a bachelor’s degree from Vermont College of Norwich University, and an associate’s degree from the Community College of Vermont. She was a passionate teacher of reading, and held a Reading Recovery Certification from the University of Vermont. She taught reading to elementary school children during her 30 years of teaching for both the Westminster and Windsor elementary schools. She was proud to have been listed in the publication “Who’s Who of American Teachers” in 1998, 2004, and 2005.
Prior to her teaching career, Mary was a reporter for the Brattleboro Reformer, the Eagle Times of Claremont, N.H., the Rutland Herald, and the Bellows Falls News Review. She also worked as an on-air reporter for the WBFL radio station, and produced her own weekly news show, “The Rockingham Boardwalk,” for the local FACT TV station.
Along with her fierce love of, and dedication to, her family, Mary was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. She also committed countless hours to her community. Some examples of her service include her many years as a Vermont Justice of the Peace in Rockingham, her membership in the Elks Post 1619, volunteering as a poll worker for many elections, and serving on the Rockingham School Board and Windham Northeast Supervisory Union School Board.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Emma (Baldasaro) and Stanley Marino Sr., her sister Rosemarie Shaughnessy, her brother Joseph Marino, and an older brother who died at birth. She is survived by Stanley Marino Jr. of Keene, N.H.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge at 59 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vt., on Saturday, Nov. 25, where people can drop in from 1-4 p.m., to remember and honor Mary with family and friends. A Facebook invite will follow, and R.S.V.P.s will be much appreciated.
Contributions in honor of Mary’s memory can be made through a children’s book donation in her name to the Rockingham Children’s Library, or a local children’s library of your choice, or to Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Eastman Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street in Bellows Falls, Vt.