Barbara D. Wilde

Mystic - Barbara D. Wilde, 88, of Mystic, wife of the late Raymond K. Wilde, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 1, 2013, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. She was uplifted by the love of her son, Barry and her daughter-in-law, Evelyn, and the love of her many friends.

Born in the Oswegatchie section of Waterford on July 18, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Anna Grace (Ely) Daniels and lived in the Mystic and Groton area since 1960.

She was a graduate of the former Chapman Technical High School in New London, class of 1942, and after the war, Barbara attended business school in New London earning her secretarial degree. She worked immediately after graduating high school at Electric Boat as an electrician's assistant, working in the former Victory Yards during the Second World War. She was thus a member of the Greatest Generation proudly doing her part to ensure a U.S. victory. After the war, she was a secretary for several years at the Sheffield Tube Corp., in New London and eventually the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton. She left professional employment when her sons, Steven and Barry, were born in order to devote all her love and time to her husband and family.

Barbara was well known by her friends for her accomplished skills in knitting, cross-stitching, and crafting. Her extended family was her church, where she was a devoted member of the Groton Bible Chapel since 1967. She was active in the choir for many years and also volunteered her time with the church nursery. Oh how many children did she care for over the years. She was also an avid crossword puzzle solver, bird watcher, and frequent traveler, traveling in and around most of New England. She traveled to Canada, made several trips to Texas, and visited her sister in Oregon. Her farthest trip was to Chile. She knew most of the local birds by their names and knew all their calls, and she was quick to notice a new bird in her yard. She also had the most joyous laugh and a marvelous sense of humor, and was always willing to provide the warmest hugs.

She is survived by her son, Barry K. Wilde and his wife, Evelyn, of Orlando, Fla.; niece and nephew, Dianne Pedro of Montville and Bruce Daniels of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and many hundreds of dear friends.

She was predeceased by her son, Steven L. Wilde; sister, Evelyn Ruggiero; and two brothers, Luther and Gene Daniels.

Her son would like to thank the staff at Mystic Healthcare & Rehab Center and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion given to Barbara. She was happy living at Mystic Healthcare and even made many friends during the last year while living there. She looked forward to the twice daily recreational activities, and her other mission there was to ring the bell for her roommate.

Funeral information is incomplete at his time. A brief notice listinging the service time, location, and date will appear in Tuesday's edition of The Day.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Groton Bible Chapel, 66 Tollgate Road, Groton, CT 06340.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence.