formerly of Fitchburg; 87

LEOMINSTER, MA

Barbara H. (Deschenes) Little 87, residing in Leominster, MA. passed away April 7, following a lengthy illness and surrounded by her loving family. Barb, a talented, gifted artist, quiet, graceful and fashionable pursued her passion for art and design as an amazing watercolorist to the end of her life. Born and raised in Fitchburg, March 6, 1933 to the late Louis and Rose (Buteau) Deschenes graduated from Fitchburg High School Class of 1952 a popular student, class officer and cheerleader. Barbara went on to study and practice as a licensed hairstylist and cosmetology instructor employed by the former Henri's School of Hair Design of Fitchburg.

In retirement she made her year-round home in Holiday, Florida spending time actively pursuing her art with her beloved artist friends at the Art Guild of New Port Richey and making the rounds to bookstores and movies with her cousin, the late Joan Valera. She loved the Florida warmth and sunshine and days at the beach with her daughters when they visited or poolside at her home. In 2014, after many years in Florida she came back to Massachusetts to be with family and enjoyed shopping trips, cooking and growing an herb garden.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Robert A. Little in 2006, her brother Roland Deschenes in 2008 and his wife Helen in 1998 and Vincent G. Belair in 2012, her former husband, father of her children and always a friend.

Barbara will be so missed by her four daughters Karen Belair and her partner Elayne Campos of Waltham, Ma., Kim Belair of Fitchburg, Kyle Belair and her partner Marc Wirtz of Pepperell, Ma. and Karla Belair of Holiday, Florida. Affectionately known as "Lola" to her grandchildren and extended family she leaves her grandson Jason Renda and his children Olivia and Lucas Renda of Reading, MA. and granddaughter Hannah Wirtz and her fiancé David Franchi of Littleton, Ma., her brother Robert Deschenes and his wife Jo of Fitchburg, sister-in-law Gail Karkutt and her husband John of Fitchburg along with many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barbara's care and support during her illness was a loving collaborative of family and skilled professionals and wonderful people from Worcester County Visiting Nurses Association, UMass Memorial-HealthAlliance Hospice: nurses Gina and Joyce and CNA's Tiffany, June and Joycie and the French Connection Homecare of Gardner, Diane, Deb and staff (you know who you are) heartfelt thanks for caring so much. Our loving cousin and nurse, Tammy, thank you for being you.

Donations to the Simones Signet Ring Cell Cancer Foundation Inc. 1024 Valetta Dr, Temperance, MI.48182-9602 or to an art council, art foundation, or art school of your choice in Barbara's name would be a fitting tribute and so useful.

Services will follow at a date to be determined. Support and care are being provided by Brandon Funeral Home, Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA. 01420.

View the online memorial for Barbara H. (Deschenes) Little

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Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Apr. 16, 2020.

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April 18, 2020

Gina Geremia - Kelly

April 18, 2020

Dear Kim, Kyle, Karla and Karen,
I have fond memories of your mom from the "old" Boutelle Street days.. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to you and your families.

April 18, 2020

To KIm, Karen, Kyle and Karla,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I'll remember her as a fashionista and a painter who loved Tony Bennett.
RIP, Rick Jeffries

April 17, 2020

Many happy memories from the FHS Class of 1952 and our reunions.
Let those good memories shine!
Tim Bauman, Ashby

April 17, 2020

Dear Karen,

My condolences to you and Elayne.

Your mom had a rich life filled with her art, family and friends. That's what it's all about, and she did it.

Sincerely,
Connie Dufour

Karen Belair

April 16, 2020

Mom
I am so happy that you came home to spend your last years. We had and took that time to be a closer mother and daughter and to become friends. I found myself looking forward to our weekly day together shopping and talking and watching Netflix Grace and Frankie. I wouldn't miss our day every week for anything! Now I will. Going to Wal-Mart will never be the same! My daily drive to work without being able to make my daily call you to say good morning Ma and have a nice day leaves a void and helping you with chores and errands will leave me with time on my hands that I always wish I had but now will fill with thoughts of how we did these things together.
This disease that took over your last months came as a shock to all of us. It tried so hard to take everything from you sooner than later but you didn't give in. You did everything you could every day to be healthy and active and never complained. Daily life eventually became more of a struggle and still you didn't complain. My sisters and I would watch what was happening to your body because of this awful cancer and say but she doesn't complain !
We look at pictures of you and all of us together and marvel at how healthy and youthful and stylish you were and we are angry at what this disease has done to you.
We are angry, but you still didn't complain.
You found a quiet acceptance , as I believe you did with many things in your life, and stayed true to yourself right to your last breath.
Mom, I'm so glad and proud that I could be there for you. With my sisters we banded together to give you comfort and care to make your journey dignified. Having four daughters turned out to be a blessing in riches cause the strength in numbers was needed. You deserved all the TLC that we could give you mom and I feel blessed that God allowed us the time and ability to be there through and to your journey's end.
I will think of you and wish you a nice day every day Mom until we meet again! Love you xoxo

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