Obituary

Barbara E. (Wiseman) Waters, 96, of Worcester and Narragansett, RI, passed away on Monday, February 24th, at St. Vincent Hospital with her daughter Carolyn by her side. She leaves her daughter, Carolyn A. Waters of Worcester with whom she lived; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and her cousin, Carol A. Keegan, with whom she shared a special bond. She also leaves her dear life-long friends, Donald and Elaine Cousineau. She was predeceased in 2001 by her husband of 47years, Thomas B. Waters, and in 1960 by their infant son James. Barbara was also predeceased by life-long best friend and classmate, Ellen (McKeon) Blanchard.

Born in Worcester, the daughter of R. Carroll and Margaret (Collins) Wiseman, Barbara attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, and Classical High School before earning her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State University. She went on to spend her entire 41-year career as an educator as a teacher in the Worcester Public Schools, teaching kindergarten beginning at Middlesex Avenue School and eventually spending the last 23 years of her career teaching kindergarten and then second grade at Flagg Street Elementary School. Her career began in kindergarten, but it was as a second-grade teacher at Flagg Street School where she was known for her annual dinosaur unit and her estimation Fridays in math. After her retirement Barbara returned to Flagg Street Elementary School to volunteer in the library and to read to the children.

A member of Christ the King Parish, Barbara was a woman of strong faith and commitment and was dedicated to helping others, especially children, and sharing her talents and enthusiasm for life with them. Barbara and her husband Tom enjoyed volunteering as CYC advisors and Barbara spent many summers teaching art as part of the summer Bible school program there.
Barbara loved to garden, to paint, to spend time by the ocean. An avid boater, she and her husband Tom and their daughter Carolyn spent many summers on Narragansett Bay and traveling to ports along the New England Coast. In later years, she enjoyed long sunny afternoons on the beach and visiting with friends and neighbors at their cottage in Narragansett.
Barbara was active in many clubs and organizations including the Friday Afternoon Club, Delta Kappa Gama Society International for Educations, the American Association of University Women, Christ the King CYC advisors group, and in later years the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts where she enjoyed traveling with her friend Ellen to the rainforests of Costs Rica, the Swiss Alps, and many places in between.

Barbara was active in many alumni programs at her beloved Worcester State University, continuing to serve as a class agent through this year and especially enjoying her work over the years with her friends on the Scholarship Tea Committee. Barbara enjoyed traveling with her daughter Carolyn, whether they were taking cruises each winter, taking day trips in the summer or having the chance to meet and greet all kinds of animals. Barbara swam with dolphins, played with sea lions, patted rhinoceroses, and even recently fed a sloth and her love for adventure and exploration was matched only by her creativity. Barbara had a special connection with animals and cared for and loved many pets with the same compassion she showed to all living things. Barbara’s cat Fiona, her loving and constant companion for 20 years, passed away just days before Barbara, going ahead to prepare the way and to welcome her.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her daughter, her friends and colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and an enduring love for life that will live on in all who were touched by her.
Gifts in Barbara’s memory may be given to an animal charity of your choice or to The Worcester State Foundation, Inc., PO BOX 20248, Worcester, MA 01602.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 4th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass of Christian burial beginning at 10:00am in Christ the King Parish, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. Calling hours will be on Monday, March 3rd from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the funeral home.

Directions to Funeral Home