Barbara J. Guillette

Barbara Jean Guillette, 84, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2017 in Orlando, FL. The daughter of Sandorf and Mary Beressi, she was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she served in the Civil Air Patrol. A gifted singer and lover of musicals, she abandoned thoughts of a stage or movie career and became a registered nurse, a choice that led to her meeting the love of her life, William Guillette, M.D., a medical resident at Worcester City Hospital. Barbara and Bill married in 1954 and set up a private medical practice in Plainville, MA, where they raised six children before moving to Connecticut in 1964 and adding two more. Barbara and Bill had an extraordinary marriage of 59 years before he passed away in 2013. They were work partners, best friends, and had an enduring love for each other. When their children were grown, they were able to travel the world, and embraced each new adventure together. Barbara was an amazing mother and grandmother. She had endless patience, energy and fortitude, calmly whipping up meals for a family of 10 with the dexterity of a short-order cook, making sure there was plenty for 8 children to do, for fun and for learning responsibility. Nobody could multitask like Barbara, an inveterate reader who kept a history book in the car for quick reads while her kids played sports or took music lessons. Her beloved music was a theme throughout her life, and her children would often hear her singing along with Judy Garland or Edie Gorme. She made a happy home and opened it to all; Barbara's house was where all of the neighborhood kids hung out. In retirement Barbara and Bill established something of a paradise for their grandchildren: a huge playscape, pool, sandbox, recreation room, trails through the woods, pony rides and parties. What Barbara really brought to her family was love. She never forgot a birthday or important date, and always found the perfect gift for every family member. She was thoughtful, kind, and a great listener who made special time for all of her children and grandchildren. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Bill and her sister Lois. She leaves her children Mary (Meg) Guillette Harper and her husband Ross, William S. Guillette and his wife Melody, Peter L. Guillette, Lawrence Sherman and his wife Janice, Michael Guillette and his wife Joan, Jane Guillette Hyde and her husband Fred, Stephen Guillette and his wife Frances O'Brien, and Nancy Guillette Ihnat and her husband George. She also leaves her grandchildren Quinlan Harper, Adam (and his wife Nikki) and Heather Guillette, Peter Daniel(and his wife Anna) and Nicholas Guillette, Charles Sherman and Corinne Sherman-Stewart (and grandson-in-law Jeffrey Stewart), Maggie, Katie and James Guillette, Will Moreland, Lily Rose Guillette, and Sarah and Natalie Ihnat. Barbara was also the great-grandmother of three. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Barbara's family asks that she be remembered by performing an act of kindness.