Barbara Larson Loveridge

Barbara Larson Loveridge, of Sarasota, Florida and Block Island, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, vitality, and devotion to family and friends. Barbara was born on April 11, 1934, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the beloved daughter of Wilbur and Dorothy Larson. She was raised in Middlebury, Connecticut, a place that remained close to her throughout her life.

Barbara attended Saint Margaret's School in Waterbury from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Following graduation, she spent a year at the University of Miami, where she joyfully perfected her

water-skiing skills on Biscayne Bay, reflecting her lifelong love of the water. She later continued her

education at the Katherine Gibbs School in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1955, Barbara married Alan Loveridge. Their marriage was defined by an unfailing commitment to each other and their families, a deep love for the places they called home, and a gratitude for life. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Barbara was a caring, thoughtful, joyful mother who shared life lessons with her children and grandchildren with kindness and wisdom.

For much of her life, Barbara divided her time between Middlebury and Block Island, both places she cherished deeply. Her love of Block Island was initiated with trips to the Island on her father's boat in the early 1960's. Slalom skiing in Great Salt Pond, hiking down Mohegan Bluffs, lobster bakes, and clamming to make chowder brought her great pleasure. In addition, she spent many hours on Crescent beach where she loved reading a good book, visiting with friends, or enthusiastically riding the waves in the invigorating surf. Starting in the late 1990's, Sarasota became Barbara and Alan's primary residence; here, she continued to treasure time on the beach, in the ocean, and socializing with friends.

Barbara's professional life reflected her warmth and natural ability to connect with people. In the late 1960s, she began working in the admissions office at Westover School, where she later became Director of Admissions, a position she held until 1979.

Barbara approached life with enthusiasm, positivity and appreciation, and maintained many dear, lifelong relationships. Barbara also found great joy in adventure and travel, embracing new experiences throughout her life, including travel to Russia, China, and Mexico. Barbara loved playing bridge and did so right up until the week before her passing.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Dorothy Larson, and by her beloved husband, Alan H. Loveridge. She is survived by her son, Mark Loveridge (Elizabeth), and their children Alex Loveridge (Chelsey), Liza Rowan (Ray), and Olivia Loveridge; and by her daughter, Lynn Kling (Frank), and their children and stepchildren, Hailey Griffin, Julia Desmond (Colin), Andrew Kling, and Caroline Kling (Ilya Vilnits).

She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren Robin Loveridge, Ethan and William

Desmond, and Grace, Tessa and Lillian Rowan, as well as her step great-granddaughters Alina and

Grace Vilnits. Barbara is also survived by her brother Bill Larson and his family, of Hailey, Idaho.

A gathering to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at Bay Village, in Sarasota, Florida, on Tuesday,

February 17th at 11:00.

Burial will take place on Block Island in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to Westover School in Middlebury, CT, the Nature Conservancy of Block Island, or the Block Island Medical Center.