Barbara D. Kamens, age 101, passed away peacefully on February 19th.
Barbara worked as a “double-entry” bookkeeper for a Chelsea garment manufacturer before retiring. She enjoyed travelling the world with her husband and enjoyed learning the history of every place she visited. After retirement, she volunteered in the Coffee Shop at Leonard Florence Levine assisted living, where she resided for the final years of her life. An animal lover, she was known for rescuing many cats, including her beloved orange tabby, Tramp.
Because of her active support, Barbara was known as the “matriarch” of the New England College of Optometry where her husband served as Dean of Students.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Julius and Marion Plotnick, her husband of 54 years, Dr. H.R. Kamens, her sisters, Deena Goldstein and Helen Baum, and her daughters, Jacqlyn Scarlatelli and Marcia Kamens. Barbara was born in Holyoke and moved to Chelsea at age 3, where she lived her entire life. She met her future husband while they were students at Chelsea High School and they were married in 1946. Barbara is survived by her granddaughter, Katie Scarlatelli of Taveres, Florida and many loving nieces and nephews from both sides of her family as well as her cherished friends, all of whom appreciated her joie d’vivre, spunk, and great love of family.
Contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to the New England College of Optometry earmarked to the Dr. HR Kamens Scholarship fund.
A funeral service will be held at the Torf Funeral Home in Chelsea, Sunday February 25th at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in Melrose.