Barbara "Staples" Meader

Barbara (Staples) Meader, 82, of Tamworth, New Hampshire, passed away on February 28, 2026, following a sudden illness. She was surrounded by many loving family members at the time of her passing, just as she had embraced so many others with love throughout her life.

Born on February 15, 1944, in Laconia, New Hampshire, Barbara was the daughter of Walter Staples and Mildred Goodwin Staples. She entered the world alongside her twin sister, Mary, as the second and third of nine children. In 1953, the Staples family moved to Pine Top Farm in Tamworth, where Barbara's deep roots in the community were firmly planted.

Barbara graduated from Kennett High School in 1962 and went on to attend Plymouth State College. In 1964, she began the role that would define her life's greatest joy - raising her three beloved children. Her devotion to family was the foundation of everything she did.

Over the years, Barbara contributed greatly to her community in a variety of roles. She was deeply proud of her time as a preschool teacher, nurturing young minds with patience and kindness. A lifelong churchgoer, Barbara faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher in both Tamworth and Ossipee and she was a 55-year member of the Eastern Star. Her faith was steady and quiet, reflected in her compassion and generous spirit.

Barbara had a distinguished career as a paralegal, serving many lawyers and the community with professionalism and integrity for decades. She was an important part of the Pizza Barn since its establishment in 1971 (and up until two weeks ago). Many would insist that nobody made pizza like her!

Above all else, Barbara loved her family. She was the most selfless person you could meet, always putting others first and caring for friends as though they were her kin. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and anyone else she thought needed it) eagerly awaited her thoughtful care packages, especially those filled with homemade whoopie pies and brownies. She single-handedly kept Hallmark in business, sending numerous cards a week to friends and family near and far.

Barbara found joy in simple pleasures and spirited competition. She loved games, especially Scrabble, Jeopardy, and Yahtzee. She also enjoyed puzzles, golf, kayaking, gardening, and snowmobiling (even racing!). She cherished Mount Chocorua, the ocean, York Beach, and annual trips to Ogunquit with her dear friends. She delighted in evenings at the Barnstormers Theatre and treasured any time spent outdoors.

She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mildred (Goodwin) Staples; her siblings, Steve Staples, Dinah Salazar, and Mark Staples; and her beloved first grandchild, Malcolm MacIver.

Barbara is survived by her loving children: Kathy Meader of Pittsburg, NH; Karen MacIver (Mac) of West Ossipee, NH; and Paul Meader of Tamworth, NH. She also leaves behind her siblings: twin sister Mary Holladay, Daniel Staples (Trish), Russ Staples, Jim Staples and Rebekah Pugh. She was a proud grandmother to Kendyl (Seth), Conner (Amanda), Morgan (Cam), Gianna, and Anthony, and great-grandmother to Riley, Olive, Jack, Avery, and Marley. Her legacy of love will continue through each of them. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.

A Celebration of Life, with reception to follow, will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pizza Barn in Center Ossipee, New Hampshire.

Any donations in Barbara's memory can be made to the Malcolm D. MacIver Outdoor Discovery Memorial Fund. (Send to 1850 Route 16, Center Ossipee, NH 03814)

Barbara's life was defined not by accolades, but by love - steady, generous, and unwavering. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.