BRISTOL ---- BARBARA J. GREENWOOD, 90, died peacefully, Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Barb spent much of her early years in Massachusetts, but her family moved to Hill, NH when she was in high school. A year later, her family moved to Bristol and Barbara fell in love with the town and its people.
She was the second ever Carnival Queen, and some years later took over the running of that program. While attending Bristol High School, she met and would later marry her husband of 54 years, Raymond Greenwood. Together they raised 4 children.
Starting while she was in high school, Barb worked for the telephone company. She married Ray Greenwood who was serving in the Air Force. While he was stationed overseas, Barb transferred to San Diego with the telephone company, living and working there for a little over a year before returning to the east coast when her husband was reassigned to Andrews AFB. They lived in Arlington, VA until Raymond completed his enlistment, and then they returned to Bristol.
After several years, Barb applied for and was hired to work at the Bristol Elementary School as one of the first teacher aides in the district. Early on while working in that position, the school needed a librarian, so she took courses in an effort to fill that role. After 18 years at the elementary school, she left to take over the office management of her husband’s business, Greenwood Plumbing and Heating Company, until they sold the business and retired. Some years later, her son Matthew opened his own business, Bristol Plumbing and Heating, LLC, for which she did all the office work until she recently retired from that position at the age of 90!
Barb has always worked on projects that would benefit the town. Several generations have benefited from her devotions in both the library and the classroom. Barb was a Library Trustee and worked persistently for the addition to the Minot Sleeper Library, which took many years to achieve and from which we all still benefit. Barbara worked hard to instill in the youth of Bristol, and the surrounding towns, the importance of literacy.
She saw a need for a new town office building, found the perfect place for the right price and worked tirelessly, promoting it so well that it was passed and approved by the town quickly, for which we all continue to benefit. Her most current project, of which she was very proud, is the new Safety Facility currently being erected on Lake Street in Bristol.
Barbara’s contributions to the life of our community set her apart. Her love for the children of Bristol and the surrounding towns was evident in all the efforts she made on their behalf, especially around Christmas time. Santa’s Village – a highlight for hundreds of children each year - has been a staple of the town for decades and grew stronger with each year of Barb’s assistance.
She started the Concert in the Park series, and almost single-handedly brought back Old Home Day, a tradition that had ceased to be until Barbara took on the challenge to bring it back. For many years Barb volunteered to help with the Lobster & Chicken Dinner, the Apple Festival and so many other fund-raising programs sponsored by the TTCC and the town.
Barb was a life member of the Bristol Recreation Advisory Council. A ballot clerk for over twenty years, she had moved on to providing lunch for the current clerks each election.
Her passing will leave a void in her family and in the town which she loved and she will be sorely missed by many.
Family members include her four children: Michelle A. (Robert II) Schulte of Hill; Michael A. (Cheryl) Greenwood of San Diego, CA; Mark A. Greenwood of Danbury; and Matthew A. Greenwood of Bristol; grandchildren: Robert W. (Dawn) Schulte of Franklinton, NC, Carrie May Drake of Chichester, Melissa (Richard) Leahigh of Antrim; 12 great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters: Virginia Plumer and Marilyn Winnett; a brother, Allen Fletcher; and granddaughter Rayanna Greenwood.
Memorial calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 1-4pm at the Historic Old Town Hall, 45 Pleasant Street, Bristol. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4pm. Parking is available at the Bristol Town Office Building or Bristol Elementary School, School St. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you would please consider a donation in Barbara’s memory to the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, 30 North Main St., Bristol, NH 03222.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/Emmons Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com or EmmonsFuneralHome.com.