Barbara A. Ela

Barbara A. (Leach) Ela, 80, lifelong Auburn resident, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
She leaves her beloved husband, William J. "Bill" Ela; her sister, Sharon Darrah and family; her cousins, Donald Beesley, Jr., Michael Beesley, Carol Beesley, Burton Rhodes and their families; Geraldo and Mary Rivera and family; and her brother-in-law, Roger and Carol Ela and family.
Barbara was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Robert A. Leach and Virginia E. Beesley-Leach. She was raised and educated in Auburn, graduating with the Class of 1962. Barbara had an extensive career working for Paul Revere Insurance Company (now UNUM Provident), and retired after almost forty years.
She was a longtime member of the Worcester Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Auburn Historical Society. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed painting nature scenery and animal portraits, drawing inspiration from her backyard. She enjoyed being on the water and going for rides on her pontoon boat.
In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed plenty of time playing in the waters of Dark Brook Reservoir, which was built on the original Leach family farm. She spent much of her childhood playing at the Leach's property and Leaches Crossing that belonged to her grandparents and great-grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal shelter of one's choice.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara's family between 5 and 7 PM on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn.