Barbara Trowbridge Barnes passed away peacefully on October 17, 2022. Born on May 20, 1939 in Westerly, RI to the late John Harrison Trowbridge and Frances Waram Trowbridge. Barbara spent the majority of her life on her beloved Connecticut shore, primarily Stonington. Barbara is survived by her daughter Natalie (Lolly) Comstock and her grandchildren Eleanor and Thea of South Portland, ME, and her son Andrew Sheriff (Mandy) and her grandchildren Carly and Ames of Gloucester, MA. She also leaves her devoted siblings Lucia Johnstone (Rodney) and her children Ashley (Rob Burt) and Robert Kehrig, and Ashley’s children Davis and Liam Keating. She also leaves behind her brother John Trowbridge (Lynn) and their two children Sarah and Alexander as well as Sarah’s (Bryan) children Otto and Quincy Volpenhein.
Barbara attended the Fox Hollow School and Vassar College prior to being swept off her feet upon meeting the late Rothwell Mitchell (Chip) Sheriff while he was studying at Yale in 1959. They married in 1962 and began their lives together with cherished adventures sailing, skiing, traveling, and raising their children in Manhattan and Stonington until Chip’s devastating passing in 1981.
Barbara subsequently dedicated her time and heart to her community as a loyal volunteer with Hospice Foundation of America, Meals on Wheels, and The Cavalry Church in Stonington, among others.
Barbara touched many lives with her open heart, generous spirit, and ready humor. She earned the trust and admiration of just about anyone who knew her. She was refined, polite and well spoken. She was steadfast in her loyalty, and rejoiced in the good fortune of others. She was a talented cook, an avid reader, and a steady presence to the many people (and felines) she loved. Barbara was a wonderful friend with a constant humility and selfless manner. She will be missed.
A memorial service will be held on November 19, 2022 at 11 AM at Calvary Church in Stonington, CT. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for memorial donations in Barbara’s name to Calvary Church.
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