Barbara James Haviland

1932 - 2014

Mystic - Barbara James Haviland was born on Jan. 27, 1932 in Salem, Mass. and died on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Yale-New Haven Hospital from cardiovascular disease.

Barbara enjoyed 48 years of Christian marriage to James T. Haviland II, who predeceased her in 2005.

Barbara is survived by four children and their spouses; James T. Haviland III, Mary Lyndon Haviland and Thomas M. Neff, Elizabeth H. Padgett and David A. Padgett, and Anne H. Littlefield and Prescott T. Littlefield. Barbara had five beloved grandsons, Matthew T. and Peter H. Littlefield, Nathanael R., Owen D. and Colin C. Padgett ("Pipper").

Her younger son, Richard D. Haviland, died in December 2013, after a long struggle with cancer.

Barbara was well loved by her cousins from Georgia, the Gilberts, and Massachusetts, the James; and by many friends from all walks of life.

Barbara earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Joseph's College in West Hartford in 1955. While studying for her nursing degree, Barbara worked as a school nurse at St. Francis College, and as a flight nurse for Eastern Airlines, frequently flying to and from Europe from Bradley Airport. A resident of West Hartford until 1968, Barbara worked as a nurse at both St. Francis Hospital and Hartford Hospital.

After moving from West Hartford to Groton Long Point, Barbara worked as a nurse at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. She also served as a faculty member for the State of Connecticut's Licensed Practical Nursing Program first at Backus, and later at Norwich Technical High School. Barbara earned a master's degree in vocational education from Central Connecticut State University (4.0 GPA) where she subsequently joined the faculty as a professor of vocational technical education.

As a professor of vocational technical education, Barbara travelled throughout the state improving the quality of vocational educational programs in subjects as varied as automotive repair and hospitality management. Barbara retired from state service in 1991. Barbara volunteered her time with the Groton Library Board, the Mystic Women's Club, and the Ladies Guild of St. Mary's Church in Groton.

In 2005, after living for more than three decades on Groton Long Point, Barbara moved to Stoneridge in Mystic, where she quickly established a new and vibrant community of friends. At Stoneridge, Barbara served on the Heath & Wellness Committee and the Food & Beverage Committee. In her later years, Barbara enjoyed spending many hours with her grandchildren. Barbara will be remembered as a dedicated wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother and loyal friend. She will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. March 20, 2014, at Saint Mary Mother of the Redeemer, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton. Burial will be after the service in Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Mary Mother of the Redeemer, Groton, CT 06340.

Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory.