Barbara Elliott

Norwich - Barbara (Hicks) Elliott, longtime resident of Norwich, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, just a few days short of her 96th birthday. Until the end she maintained the fortitude, grace, and dignity that exemplified her entire life.

Barbara was born March 8, 1915, in New Bedford, Mass., the daughter of Alexander Hicks and Isabelle Mason Tripp. Her husband was Dr. Robert Medill Elliott, who died in 1984.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Barbara "Bea" (Elliott) Hall and her husband, Robert, of Groton, and Catherine "Kate" Medill Elliott of South Salem, N.Y., and by her beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Mason Hall of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Barbara grew up in Newton Highlands, Mass. where she attended Newton High School and Wellesley College. She also attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston and then worked as a private secretary in that city. She was married in Newton Highlands in 1937. Soon after, she and Bob moved to Norwich where he was employed by the American Thermos Products Company as an engineer and as vice president for Product Development. Barbara was employed for several years as an assistant librarian in the Norwich Public Schools under the direction of her friend and mentor, Margaret Libby. In this capacity she helped establish the library at Kelly Middle School. She did volunteer work at The William W. Backus Hospital's main desk for more than 30 years and served in many capacities as an active member of Park Congregational Church. She was a member of the "Tired Mothers" group, the "Pudding Squad", and the Senior Center's scrabble group. In former years, she served as leader of her daughters' Norwichtown Girl Scout troops whose members, now in their 60s and 70s, still recall the fine leadership she provided and the example she set.

Barbara will be remembered as a voracious reader, avid scrabble and bridge player, crossword puzzle enthusiast, sender of cards, gardener, celebratory poem writer and cheerful, generous friend to many. Her sharp wit, sense of humor, and literary knowledge remained intact until very near the end.

Barbara was proud of her ancestral connection to several of the Mayflower Pilgrims including John Alden and Myles Standish. At one time she was a member of the Mayflower Society. She was also proud of her connection to the New Bedford whaling industry, her paternal grandfather being Captain Edward E. Hicks, whaling master. Her interest in preserving this rich history resulted in her contributions to and membership for more than 50 years in the Mystic Seaport and also to the New Bedford Whaling Museum which houses several of her grandparents' letters, dairies, log books, and other materials.

Barbara had an interest in and contributed to many local libraries, theaters, and community organizations. She was an avid supporter of the performing arts and an animal lover. In recent years, she encouraged the involvement of her younger daughter, Kate, in (and eventual employment by) the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn., by sharing her own passionate interest and strong activist support for this non-profit organization. Barbara also enjoyed traveling, sailing, and the many memorable summers spent with her extended family at Marion, Mass. and with her immediate family at Groton Long Point.

Barbara was fortunate to be able spend her last days in the comfort of her home with the help of her "Angel" caregivers who did so much to give her the devoted care, respect, and kind attention she deserved.

In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held.

Those who wish to remember Barbara might do so each day as you work the puzzles in the newspaper, admire the last fading star in the early morning sky, notice a grammatical error in a printed ad that needs correcting, or run an errand for a friend, little things that mattered in her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the library of your choice.

To leave a condolence for the family or sign the online guest book, please visit www.churchandallen.com