Barbara Bull

Barbara Bull

Montpelier - Barbara Bull of Montpelier, previously of South Burlington, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on July 7, 2018 at the age of 91, after a series of medical setbacks.

Barbara was born and raised on the north shore of Massachusetts, and graduated from Middlebury College. Her first teaching job took her to Manchester, VT where she met Wilbur (Bill) Bull. Their extraordinary marriage lasted 58 years, until Bill's death. They had four children, Chris (Steve), Tom (Peggy), Susie (Dick), and Peter. She had 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is survived by a younger brother, Henry (Amber), of Tucson, Arizona. Her older brother, Harold (Barbara), predeceased her.

Barbara was an accomplished pianist, sharing her love of music with a wide and warmly connected extended family as well as with people from all aspects of her life. She and Bill created wonderful friendships that spanned several generations through volunteering, church, folk dancing, teaching, hiking, skiing, tennis, canoeing, and camping. The family cabin in Maine was beloved by all. She went back to teaching high school French and Latin when the children were grown. Her creative approach to teaching included unique cultural experiences such as trips to Montreal and France. She was a lifelong learner, reading extensively and even taking classes at the high school where she taught.

Barbara modeled citizenship, contributing in myriad ways. She was active in the Vermont League of Women Voters. She served on the South Burlington Natural Resources Committee and was proud to have been a critical player in purchasing the property which became Red Rocks Park. The South Burlington Land Trust was another group where she was actively engaged as a passionate advocate of the preservation of open space. She participated for decades in the activities of the First Congregational Church in Burlington. With Bill, she helped found the Green Mountain Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving in many capacities during her more than 20 full years that resulted in 26 houses built in Vermont, as well as participating in Habitat projects abroad. Closer to home, she was instrumental in creating an active organization in the neighborhood where she lived for 65 years. For decades, she took it upon herself to keep the neighborhood walkway attractive and cared for. In her civic work as well as in her home life, she brought the utmost integrity to her detailed and accurate record-keeping and financial management.

Barbara's sense of service was captured in a sign by her front door: Democracy is not a Spectator Sport. She did a great deal to make this world a better place.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday July 31 at the First Congregational Church in Burlington. Her ashes will join Bill's in First Church's Memorial Garden. Memorials preferred to Green Mountain Habitat, or a nonprofit of your choice.