Barbara Dexter

Sterling, CT- Barbara Joyce (Bailey) Dexter, 76, passed away on January 24, 2025 at William W. Backus Hospital
She was born on October 3rd, 1948 in Putnam, CT, to the late James Albert Bailey and Helen (Rioux) Bailey.
She was married to Horace A. Dexter at Line Baptist Church in Foster, RI on October 23, 1970, by their friend the late Reverend Ken Post.
Barbara was a lifelong resident of Sterling who proudly lived in the house her grandfather built in 1919. Barbara worked for the State of Connecticut as a Secretary prior to starting her family. She then focused on her family, becoming a stay-at-home mom. Once her children had grown, she returned to the workforce as a driver/ aid for Eastconn Special Education where she worked alongside her husband until their retirement.
Barbara enjoyed sitting with her husband and watching the hummingbirds out her picture window. She also found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. She also went above and beyond in helping out loved ones.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Horace Albertus Dexter, children James H. Dexter and his wife Tammy Dexter of Sterling and Russell E. Dexter and his companion Lori Marois of Sterling, her sister Nancy Dewhirst of Sterling, grandchildren Evelyn Dexter and Abigail Dexter of Sterling, and extended grandchildren Alex Marois of Oklahoma, Julia Marois, and Josh Marois both of Sterling, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Barbara is predeceased by her parents James and Helen Bailey, as well as her sister Caroline (Bailey) Orr.
The funeral will be held at the Line Baptist Church (175 S Killingly Rd, Foster, RI) on Saturday February 1st at 10am. Burial will be held privately at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nancy Hopkins Christmas Lighting c/o Leatrice Shippee at 911 Gibson Hill Rd Sterling, CT 06377, or the Sterling Fire Department at 225 Main Street Sterling, CT 06377