Barbara J. Stone

Palmer - Barbara J. Stone, daughter of the late Gordon Rockwood and Beth (Bissell) Stone passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 20, 2025.  She was born in Springfield, MA on July 29, 1939 and lived in Palmer her entire life. Graduated from Park Street Grammar School and Palmer High School, after which she was an active member of several reunions. Predeceased by her brother, Gordon E. Stone and his wife, Sarah (Lombard) Stone. She leaves her nephew, George F. Stone (Tracy) of Grand Cayman Islands, niece, Tricia L. Arling (Tim) of Cromwell, CT, great nephews, Colton J. Stone (Angie) of Poland, ME and Brandon T. Stone (Kolby) of Lisbon, ME; great nieces, Jennifer and Allison Arling of Cromwell, CT, great great nephews, Theodore James and Calvin Edward Stone of Poland, ME along with her 95 year old aunt, Audrey Bissell of Goshen, MA as well as many cousins.

She was a 74 plus year member of  St. Paul's Church of Palmer where she served as Clerk, President and member of the Board of Trustees; the last surviving member of the Ladies' Social Union, Registrar, organist for over 18 years, choir member since junior choir, wedding coordinator, chairman of former monthly community dinners, alter decorator, and current property manager.

She was employed at Rathbone Corporation following high school graduation and 33 years at Westvaco (USEnvelope) as administrative assistant to HR/Labor Relations Manager.  She was Director of Palmer Food Share for over 15 years.

She was a member of the Palmer Republican Town Committee; Palmer Senior Center, Westvaco Quarter Century Club, Majority Member of Ware Assembly, Order of Rainbow for Girls, Holder of Grand Cross of Color,  former member of Mercy Warren Chapter DAR, poll worker for Town of Palmer, Former President and member of Springfield Chapter IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals), and former Secretary of the Year.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, gardening, traveling, and family get-together's especially the annual Bissell family fourth of July reunions in Goshen, MA which have been held for over 85 years on the family farm.

A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 2 at 11 am at St. Paul's Universalist Unitarian Church of Palmer.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Palmer Fire or Dakin Animal Shelter.