BARBARA "YANCY" KRUSCHWITZ

KRUSCHWITZ, Barbara "Yancy" Of Merrimac, MA, died unexpectedly, on October 10, 2023. The cause was Legionnaires disease. She was adored by her husband of 37 years, Henry W. Kruschwitz, III; and her sons, Henry, IV, Noah and Jacob. Besides her extended family, she leaves scores of friends with whom she stayed connected for decades. Barbara was born in Brockton, MA, to William and Leslie Yancy and remained a New England champion all her life. She graduated from Northeastern University in 1974 and earned her master's in physical therapy from Northwestern University. She later received a DPT from Simmons University in Boston. During Barbara's long career as a valued physical therapist, she cared for countless patients, many of whom remained in touch. She was always available to offer expert PT counsel to family and friends. She spent many years at Exeter Hospital Rehabilitation and later, worked for Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Haverhill, from which she had recently retired but continued to fill in for former colleagues two weekends a month. Barbara was an enthusiastic yoga practitioner and three years ago, earned a yoga teacher certification. She enjoyed introducing members of the Amesbury Senior Center to the benefits of gentle yoga and she led a grief counseling group there as well. In addition, Barbara was a gifted craftswoman and baker. She could create almost anything with a sewing machine, embroidery needle, knitting needle or crochet hook. Her many friends and extended family were the beneficiaries of her creative output, especially at Christmas when her knitwear and legendary cookies were widely distributed. She loved hosting holiday dinners as well as lobster bakes and pie competitions. Barbara will be remembered also as a theater goer, a Red Sox fan, a gardener and houseplant propagator who liked to share. She and her husband enjoyed many trips around the New England states, especially the White Mountains, the Maine coast and Cape Cod. Above all, Barbara was a nurturer, personally and professionally. Her generous and caring heart will remain with all those who loved her. A Memorial Service will be held at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club on Friday, November 3, at 11:30 am. Donations in memory of Barbara may be given to the charity of one's choice. Arrangemenrs were by Paul C. Roges Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, MERRIMAC, MA 01860.