Barbara L. (Munzert) Burdick Arnesen, 93, formerly of Princeton, died on Friday, April 8, 2005, at The Jewish Healthcare Center. She was born in Worcester, daughter of George and Lissetta (Chamberlain) Munzert. Her first husband, Leon L. Burdick, died in 1967. Her second husband, Gosta Arnesen died in 1994.
She leaves a stepson, Richard Arnesen of Myrtle Beach, SC, two sisters, Mae Lawson of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Ruth Nigro of Worcester, four step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a woman of great beauty and strength. She was a skilled seamstress and worked until retirement in Worcester's finest department stores. As the oldest daughter in a family of seven, she remained at home to care for both parents until their deaths. Never complaining, she was also a compassionate caregiver to two husbands. Her siblings, step-children, step-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews always knew Barbara was there for them: to share stories and laughter; teach them about sewing, style, dance and song; and encourage them in their pursuits.
In her marriage to Gus Arnesen, she found special joy. They opened their
beautiful home in Princeton to all and relished long treks in the woods with their dogs. Her Swedish meatballs, sour cream coffee cake and olive-cream cheese dip were legendary. Summers spent on Cape Cod with her sisters were the highlight of her later years. Barbara's last months in a nursing home were marked by the same dignity and fortitude that, throughout her long life, had defined her special grace.
A calling hour will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 14, at All Saints Episcopal Church followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bement Camp & Conference Center PO Box 156 Charlton MA 01509. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St is directing arrangements.