Barbara J. Wagner

BARRE - Barbara Jean (Coolbeth) Wagner died Aug. 14, 2012, at the Rowan Court nursing facility, peacefully surrounded by her family, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Born June 7, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Coolbeth, of Hardwick, Vt.

On Oct. 9, 1964, she married Floyd E. Wagner, of Waterbury, where they made their home for many years and later settled in Barre.

Barbara worked many years at Vermont Center for Independent Living as a deaf advocate. She also taught sign language at Community College of Vermont and spent several years as the president of the Montpelier Barre Associates for the Deaf. Her love was crocheting, crafts, collecting Mickey Mouse and cat items, spending time with her cat, Angel, and all her friends.

Barb is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Floyd; her only child, Patty Vance, and husband Gary; eight grandchildren, Kris Fisk and his wife, Amanda, Shawn Vance and his wife, Cassie, Jennifer White and her husband, Nick, Hope Vance and her fiancé, Loren Burdick, Dana Norton, Sonya and Brianna Vance, and Ashley Arlen-Vance, all of Barre; nine great-grandchildren, Kordell, Trevett, Emileigh, Elaina, Ben, Izayah, Bromlei, Desarae and Hunter; a sister, Mildred Derosia, of New Hampshire; childhood friend Jeri Kennison, of Middlesex; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Walter Coolbeth; and grandson L. Floyd Charles Dushon.

Special thanks to Bayada Hospice, Capt. Travis and Kim DeLong and Jay Morris for the Salvation Army, and the Activities Department at Rowan Court.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial contributions to go to Bayada Hospice, 110 Kimball Ave., Suite 250, South Burlington, VT 05403, for the excellent care they gave.

A gathering will be held at the Salvation Army on Keith Avenue in Barre, which will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.