Meredith, NH – Barbara F. Brennan Holbrook, 95, a 50+ year resident of Laconia, N.H. died at Forestview Manor, in Meredith, N.H. on May 4, 2017 after a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Dover, N.H. on February 10, 1922 to John J. and Eva A. (Guilmette) Brennan, Barbara graduated from Dover High School and St Mary’s Academy. She worked for the Judson Dunaway Corp. and was a member of the Dover Chapter of the Motor Corps of the American Red Cross. Barbara met William F. Holbrook, her husband of 62 years while dancing at Hampton Beach Casino. They were married in 1946 and would dance their way through the next six decades. In 1948, Barbara would begin her life-long career as the “World’s Best Mom.” In addition to loving and caring for her five children, she was the loving caretaker of many family members and friends when they were in need. She was forever young and thoroughly enjoyed working at Irwin Gardens at Weirs Beach during the height of the 60’s music tours. Barbara loved being outside in the sunshine working in the yard, being at the beach whether in New England or Florida, boating on the lake, traveling abroad and cruising with friends and family. She was a huge sports fan with the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish among her favorites. She never missed sending a personalized card for every birthday and anniversary for the myriad of friends and family in her bulging address book. When the time came, she added “World’s Greatest Grammy” to her title sharing her love of family and the importance of being family with her five grandchildren. She also taught them all to play poker. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Laconia where she attended daily mass and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Barbara is survived by four daughters; Elizabeth Holbrook, of Ft. Myers, FL, Sherry Bunker of Gilford, NH, Patricia Mercuriano and her husband “Bone” of Wallingford, CT, Kathleen Burdett and her husband Tom of West Springfield, MA; a son William Holbrook and his fiancée Brady Fahey of West Springfield, MA; four grandchildren; Benjamin Bunker, Zachary Bunker, Kelsey Holbrook and Jake Holbrook, his wife Stephanie and their son William, Barbara’s onlygreat-grandchild; a brother-in-law Larry Stone and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband William F. Holbrook, her sister Lucille Brennan Stone, her beloved granddaughter Kacy Burdett; her sister-in-law Olive Holbrook and her brother-in-law Walter Holbrook.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andre Bessette Parish -St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St., Laconia, NH on Friday, May 12 at 10:00AM. Burial will follow in the family lot at 12:30PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dover, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice
780 N. Main St., Laconia, N.H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.