Barbara Chartier Ayres

WEST NEWBURY — Dr. Barbara Chartier Ayres, of West Newbury, died peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by the love and care of family on May 30, 2009.

Born July 21, 1925 in Clyde, Kan., she was a daughter of the late Meda and Clifford Chartier. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Coe College, her Masters from the University of North Carolina and was awarded her PhD from Harvard-Radcliff in 1956.

Survivors include a brother, Clinton Keith Chartier of Carmarillo, Calif., a sister, Rebecca Means of Omaha, Neb.; nephew, Tom Chartier of Grand Cayman Island, and wife, Lori Malmberg; a niece, Erica Means Bottger and husband, Douglas, of Omaha; a great-nephew and two great-nieces.

Dr. Ayres' academic and professional activities include affiliations with the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston University School of Social Work, Harvard University Medical School, Columbia University, New York University, Harvard University, Laboratory of Social Relations, the University of Massachusetts and the Radcliffe Institute. She was a key person in developing the Department of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and chaired the department for many years. Other professional affiliations include: Fellow, American Anthropological Association, Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Past President-Society for Cross Cultural Research, Member, Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Human Relation Area Files. In addition to several of her own publications, she also collaborated with J.W.M.Whiting and Alan Lomax. She is also a member of the Greenough Chamber Players.

A resident of West Newbury for the past 33 years, she established extensive wildflower gardens. Barbara's love of learning extended until her death with continued interests in cross- cultural developments, politics, music, sailing, and building her library collection of music and books and primitives. She leaves a legacy of teaching and learning in many areas. She died as she lived, an example of determination, strong will and adventure. She will be sorely missed.

ARRANGEMENTS: Arrangements are private. Memorials may be given to the Anna Jacques Hospital Foundation, Oncology Clinic Staff Fund (Education), 25 Highland Ave., Newburyport, MA 01950; The African Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, PO Box 7600, Accra North, Ghana or a charity of choice. The Cremation Society of Massachusetts assisted the family with these arrangements.