Barbara Dale Quaratella

3/20/1945 - 7/19/2024

East Lyme - Barbara Dale (Fearer, Lanciani) Quaratella of East Lyme, passed away peacefully July 19, 2024, at the age of 79. Barbara leaves an indelible impression on those who called her wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, friend, aunt, teacher and counselor. Barbara's brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know her.

Barbara was born March 20, 1945, to David and Ruth Fearer in Boston, Mass. Barbara worked professionally in the public school systems in Leominster Mass., Littleton, Mass., and Salem, in multiple capacities including special education teacher, administrator and school psychologist, retiring in 2011, from Salem schools. At the center of Barbara's life was a deep devotion and endless love of her family. Despite all her hobbies, nothing gave Barbara greater joy than the time she spent with her family and loving husband Joe. This, above all, was her greatest and most treasured passion.

In the 79 years that Barbara lived, she was so many things to so many people. Barbara was passionate about many social causes, and gave generously of her time, money and talent for the benefit of others. Barbara truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or her arms for a hug. Barbara wasn't just present; she was fully present one hundred percent of the time. Barbara didn't just live for her happiness, but for the happiness of others. Barbara also loved getting her hands on a good book and would spend hours reading.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Ruth B. Fearer; her father David M. Fearer, and her brother James Fearer. Survivors include her husband Joseph C. Quaratella Jr. of East Lyme; son Jonathan Lanciani, daughter-in-law Tammy Lanciani and grandchildren, Seth, Gianna and Ross Lanciani of Virginia; daughter Amanda Lanciani Satulovsky; and grandchildren, Itzhak and Matias of California; sisters-in-law: Sally, Gay, Joy and Dawn; cousins, nieces, nephews; and many dear friends.

Barbara's passing has left an enormous void in the lives of those who love her, but her legacy of love, service and compassion will carry on in the many lives she touched.

There are no plans for a service at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Barbara's name to the East Lyme Public Library and the East Lyme Ambulance Fund. Donations made in Barbara's memory will be used to further support the critical work these organizations do. Checks can be sent to: East Lyme Public Library, 39 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357; and East Lyme Ambulance Fund, PO Box 965, Niantic, CT 06357.