Barbara May Slate

Barbara May (Picard) Slate, 89, of Agawam, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025. Born on April 26, 1936, in Ludlow, Massachusetts, she was predeceased by both of her parents Louis Picard and Mary (Lafskina) Picard.

Barbara was a 1954 graduate of Agawam High School. That same year, on October 5, 1954, she married Ames Harry Slate Jr., with whom she shared many years before his passing. They lived in Southwick and raised eight children there.

She worked at Digital as a spot welder for over thirty years. She also worked at Pratt & Whitney, and Energy Beam Sciences, although she held a few other positions elsewhere.

Barbara was predeceased by her beloved twin sister, Elizabeth Stebbins, and her brother, Louis Picard.

She was the devoted mother of eight children: Nancy Slate of Georgia, Susan Fuchs (and her husband Christopher) of North Carolina, Janet Slate of Massachusetts, Ames Slate III (and his wife Deborah) of Massachusetts, Pauline Michaud (and her husband Don) of Florida, Robert Slate (and his wife Wiona) of Massachusetts, Barbara Billings (and her husband Glenn) of Massachusetts, and Beverly Slate Condon of Connecticut. She was a proud grandmother to 21 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 30 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is already greatly missed by her longtime faithful roommate/cat, Rusty.

Barbara's greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. She loved visiting the casino, going to tag-sales, playing bingo and cards, and crocheting beautiful pieces for those she loved. She also enjoyed watching Blue Bloods, Family Feud, the Hallmark Channel and the Patriots. Her wit, laughter, strength, and warmth will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Barbara's life at Forastiere in Southwick on Sunday November 9 from 11-2, with a service at the funeral home at 2:00, followed by private burial at New Cemetery in Southwick.