SALEM - Barbara (Linkhart) Arthur, 84, died Monday January 15, 2007 in the Salem Hospital Hospice unit after being stricken at home.
Born in Dorchester, MA in 1922, Barbara was the daughter of the late Russell and Pearl (Spinney) Linkhart and was the wife of the late Edward Arthur.
Barbara was a longtime resident of Salem and was employed by New England Telephone/ Nynex until her retirement in 1985. For the next several years Barbara was a tour guide at the Witch House where she loved meeting people from all over the world.
Barbara thoroughly enjoyed talking and laughing with people, whether it be family, friends, or even just people passing by. She found fun in everything and knew the importance of a good sense of humor. Her great love of cats gave her joy and companionship throughout her life; most recently she enjoyed the company of her beloved Charley. Later in life, she volunteered weekly at the Bentley Elementary School library where she read to the school children.
Barbara is survived by her children, Sally Rathjen and her husband Bob of Beacon, NY, Jane Ferguson and her companion Ken Tache of Salem, MA and John Arthur and his wife Dorothy of Salem, MA; seven grandchildren, Beth Seger and David Sajdak of New York, Jamie Ferguson of West Virginia, Brian Ferguson of Connecticut, Steven Ferguson of Florida, and Rachel and Scott Arthur of Salem, MA; seven great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her “Club” girls, loyal and true friends of over sixty years, and the family of her predeceased “dear” friend Ted Down of Saugus, MA.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service in celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, January 27, 2007, 11 AM at Grace Church, 385 Essex Street, Salem, MA followed by a collation in the church's Abbot Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the North Shore, Inc., 10 Elm Street, Danvers, MA. 01923, or to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA, 01960. The Full-SpychalskI Funeral Home, Salem, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For on-line guestbook and other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.