Barbara B. May

1930 - 2016

Barbara May (Bitten), 85, took her final breath and entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on June 26, 1930, to Robert and Florence Bitten, she was predeceased by one brother, Robert Bitten. Barbara married the love of her life, Harry Robert May, in 1952 and moved to Old Saybrook Connecticut in 1960 to raise four children: Andy, Steve, Dan and Krista. Barbara was a devoted and loving mother. With nurturing love and faith, she raised her children to be strong and independent but also instilled in them the importance of kindness and giving to others. Her four children and their spouses, Cathy, Linda, Veronica and Steve Phelan survive her. She was very proud of her family and was excited to become "Grandmay" to three grandchildren: Audrey, Catherine and Robert, who also survive. Barbara loved celebrating holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with family was her joy, as was her beloved dog, Lily. A kind and gentle soul, Barbara had many interests. She loved reading, singing, cowboy movies (John Wayne in particular), lighthouses, Egyptian and Chinese history - all usually with a nice glass of Chardonnay. She was a volunteer at the Acton Public Library for 30 years and was a devoted member of the congregation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power of God's love and the beauty and peace that would await her after her passing. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorial donations can be made to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen (P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426). Beyond financial donations, do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say "I love you" to a friend or family member in her memory. Family and friends will gather at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, on Saturday, April 16, 2016 for a Memorial Service at 11:00am followed by time for visitation.