Amherst, Barbara (Julian) Carpenter, 86, of Amherst died peacefully Tuesday, June 16^th after a brief illness.

Born in Pelham on April 24, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Nelson and Helen (Gaskell) Julian. She attended the Amherst public schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1946.  She also attended the University of Massachusetts and Northampton Commercial College.

While the majority of her life was dedicated to caring for her family, Barbara worked for several years at the Mark’s Meadow School library, retiring in 1994. Earlier she worked at the University of Massachusetts as manager of the Book Store and as secretary in the Electrical Engineering Dept. She was a member of South Congregational Church and The Amherst Women’s Club, and took advantage of numerous volunteer opportunities

She and her husband, Allan C. Carpenter, spent their entire 66 years of married life at their home in Amherst. Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, David Carpenter of Groton, MA, Stephen Carpenter and his wife Maria of Berlin, CT, two daughters, Nancy Watts and her husband James of East Sandwich, MA, Ann Misuraca and husband Michael of San Diego, CA. three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  She also leaves her sister, Virginia Pierce, of Amherst. Two brothers and two sisters died earlier.

Barbara will be remembered as a beloved wife, loving mother, friend, mentor and a blessing to all who knew her. She loved gardening and reading and had an enviable sense of humor. She spent her life reaching out to help others and will be missed by her large sphere of influence.

Calling hours will be Friday, June 26^th from 4-6 pm at Douglass Funeral Services in Amherst. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 27^th at 11:00 am at South Congregational Church, in Amherst.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002 and Crafty Ladies c/o South Congregational Church, 1066 South East Street, Amherst, MA  01002. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.