Barbara Gates Wells, affectionately known as GG, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 9th, 2023, with her husband and children in attendance.
Barbara was born on August 4, 1932, and attended Abington schools, graduating as class valedictorian. She then attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she was honored with the title of Winter Carnival Queen in her sophomore year. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954.
After college she went to Washington DC to work for the highly secretive NSA. It was at this time that she married her husband, Bob, and started her family of four children. After Bob's military service was completed, they moved to East Longmeadow, where he was employed, and ultimately ended up back in Abington for 33 years. During this time, she was an active member and at one point President of The Child Study Group, a charitable organization based in Abington. She lovingly spent much of her time, during those years, helping to take care of her grandchildren and other family members. They also enjoyed spending time at their summer home in West Tremont, Maine. When Bob retired, they moved to Dennis on Cape Cod permanently, to the home they had purchased 10 years earlier. But despite her love of the beach, Abington was always home to her. She loved books and was an avid reader and member of the Cape Cod Kappa Book Club.
Barbara is survived by her husband Robert of 68 years, daughters Norma Easttey and Kimberly Wells, son Jonathan and his wife Susan, eight grandchildren (Jillian Easttey, Kristin (Jason) Bergonzi, Lauren Easttey, Ryan Tardif, Elliot Tardif, Casey Tardif, Alexa Wells and Jenna Wells) and four great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Christopher, in 1982 and her son-in-law, Walter K. Easttey this year.
A celebration of her life will be held at the United Church of Christ, 10 Bedford Street, Abington, MA 02351 on Friday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Abington Public Library, 600 Gliniewicz Way
Abington, MA 02351