BELMONT ---- It’s with a sad heart that Barbara J. Hollins, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer for a second time. Family and friends rallied with love and support in her final hours with us.
Barb was born in Manchester, NH, on November 5, 1954, to parents William W. Malcolm and Evelyn F. (Stewart) Malcolm. She was one of seven children.
Barb spent her life in Laconia, NH. She graduated from Laconia High School in 1972. She married and had her oldest two children. Barb then became a strong single mother raising two children while working full time and taking classes at Laconia Community College.
As the years passed in the 80s, she would meet the man she would share the rest of her life with and raise a third child, a son. She was a loving wife, mother and grandma. She was also a much-loved sister, aunt, friend and coworker.
She spent 36 years working at NHBB in Laconia, which sent her back to Laconia Community College in the 90s for more education for her work. Over the years she held many positions and jobs at NHBB. She retired on April 1, 2022, as Senior Administrative Associate. She enjoyed many activities such as sewing, crocheting, going to concerts, NASCAR races, camping with close friends or just sitting outside on a nice day with a book.
Barb is survived by her husband of 40 years, Thomas J. Hollins of Belmont, son Armand W. Toutaint and his wife Kathleen Hart, of Boston, MA, son Joshua Hollins of Belmont, daughter Tina Maguy and husband Fran of New Ipswich, NH, grandchildren, Paul W. Schaffer of Bend, OR, Monica L. Shafer of Epsom, NH, Justin and his wife Anna Schaffer of Concord, NH, grandson Jackson Hollins, his sister Meadow Poire and special consideration, Jack and Meadow’s mom, Krystine Young of Hill, NH. She is also survived by her brother Richard (Butch) Malcolm of Louisiana, sisters Edith (Sue) Wason of Fremont, NH and E. Fran Yeaton of Acton, ME. In addition to many nieces, nephews and (too many to list) cousins. She is also survived by her many close friends and coworkers throughout the years.
She is predeceased by her parents William W. Malcolm and Evelyn F. (Stewart) Malcolm, as well as her stepmother Barbara Malcolm and brothers Robert A. Malcolm, William L. Malcolm, Wallace W. Malcolm and niece Heather Bshara, as well as many other close family and friends.
Special thanks to Patty and Ivo French for helping T.J. getting Barb up walking and getting her into the wheelchair and car and bringing her to appointments to try to get her better. Also, thanks to Mary Huntoon for helping when Patty was unable.
Thanks also to the girls from therapy whom we got to know while showing T.J. and Patty how to care for Barb in her time of need.
Barbara wanted to be cremated and will reside at home for the time being. A celebration of life will take place at some point in the future.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.