Barbara T. (Ostrowski) Perchak, 87, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2018 at Linda Manor, in Leeds, with her family by her side. Barbara was born July 21, 1931 in North Amherst, the oldest daughter of Peter and Mary Jakimko Ostrowski.

She was raised on her family’s dairy farm along with her ten siblings. She attended Cushman Elementary School, was a graduate of Amherst Regional High School and attended Fannie Farmer Cooking School in Boston.

On September 7, 1953, Barbara married the dance partner of her life, Peter L. Perchak, Jr. of Sunderland, at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst. They built a house on farmland her parents gave them as a wedding present where they raised their four sons, and where she lived until the time of her death.

Barbara loved tag sales and the joy of finding a treasure, gardening and yard work and was known throughout North Amherst for keeping an immaculate lawn. She loved picnics, sharing meals with her family, eating ice cream and traditional Polish food. She enjoyed travelling to Vermont and boating on Maidstone Lake; selling tomatoes in the summer and keeping up with the neighborhood news with customers. She loved Polka music, which she referred to as “happy music,” and listened to local Polka musicians on the radio.

She leaves behind her four sons; Martin, of Bend, OR; Jeffrey and wife Ann, of Amherst; Peter and wife Elaine, of Greenfield, and Paul, with whom she lived with, in Amherst. She also leaves behind her beloved granddaughters, Katelyn Perchak and Jenna Perchak, both of Amherst. She is survived by her youngest sister, Joanne Ostrowski, of Ashfield and brother Peter, of Westfield and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband, Peter, in 1992, her mother and father, brothers Jerome, Charles, John, James, Carl and Edward; and sisters Patricia Murawski and MaryAnn Chudzik

Calling hours for Barbara will be Sunday, August 5th at the Douglass Funeral Service, 87 N. Pleasant Street in Amherst, between 2-5PM. A private burial will take place at North Amherst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.