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FLORENCE - Barbara Carpenter Rowe, 83, passed away at home in Florence on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from metastasized breast cancer.
Barbara, the daughter of Kathrine Kreycik and Ray Carpenter, was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in College Park, Md. when it was a small town, and enjoyed the summers in Nebraska at her grandparents' ranch.
Barbara attended the University of Maryland where her father was a professor of engineering, and at the age of 20 graduated as the senior with the highest grade point average in her class of 1950. Two years later, she earned her master's of arts degree at the University of Iowa in English literature and subsequently taught English at the University of Missouri, Columbia.
She then traveled in Europe with friends and returned to the United States where she married her high school boyfriend, Peter Rowe, in 1956. After two years in New Haven, where Barbara worked in a city planning firm, she and her husband came to Northampton in 1958. She first taught English grammar and literature at the University of Massachusetts and later at Holyoke Community College. Barbara was a wordsmith, she excelled as a grammarian and as a master of organization, but her favorite work experience was teaching creative writing in the after-school programs at John F. Kennedy and Bridge Street schools. Barbara also worked in law offices in Northampton, in the art department at Smith College and did freelance editing.
She served as a counselor to the inmates at the Northampton jail in a decision-making program. Barbara was an informed and passionate fan of the Patriots and the Red Sox. She and her husband sailed to Europe many times, where she could use her knowledge of art history acquired from courses at Smith College.
Blessed with an extraordinary memory, Barbara shared her deep knowledge of the arts; she enjoyed film, theater, opera and music and most of all she was an avid reader.
Barbara is survived by her husband Peter; her brother David Carpenter and his wife Sarah of Daytona Shores, Fla., and her nieces, Laura Carpenter, at Vanderbilt University.
To honor Barbara's life, Peter will receive friends at their home at 69 Fox Farms Road, Florence, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
It was Barbara's wish that memorial gifts go to the new Cancer Care Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 40 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060.
The Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with arrangements.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
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I knew Barbara for many years and will miss her sharp wit and clear communication.
Dan Hundley
February 28, 2013
Dear Peter, I'm sure you know how very sad your loss of Barbara makes Sarah and me. Among countless other memories. we shall long remember joining you and Barbara on Sanibel Island for a couple weeks during most Januarys, and eating out together frequently (dining on mediocre cuisine occasionally), and enjoying many pleasant conversations sprinkled with laughter.
Dave Carpenter
February 20, 2013
Peter,
My most sincere condolences go out to you, my friend.
Ed Olander Jr
February 16, 2013
Peter,
I would like to offer my condolences. May you find comfort in your memories.
Shannon Wade (Advance Therapeutics)
February 15, 2013
Peter, thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I am so glad I was able to get to know Barbara and help her with the gardens when it became difficult for her. She was a wonderful Lady!
Sue Childs
February 15, 2013
Peter, so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a wonderful woman and I am so pleased that I had the pleasure of tending the gardens for her when she wasn't able to any more. I am so sorry for your loss. It was good to see her last August again...little did I know that it would be the last time I would see her. Thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Sue Childs
February 15, 2013
Dearest Barbara,
I shall miss you terribly. Our long companionship and love is a part of my identity. Goodbye, my dear partner.
Peter Rowe
February 14, 2013
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