Barbara Mae Comstock passed on to her next adventure on August 10, 2016, at her home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on August 12, 1927. She was the second of six children born to Caleb Dalton Stevens, Sr. and Ruth Harriet (Fish) Stevens. She graduated from Cape Elizabeth (ME) High School in 1945 and later majored in art at the University of Houston. After graduation, she was employed as a bank teller. Since living in Bennington, she held several positions in the social welfare system, was a cook and manager for several restaurants and, for more than 20 years, at Crescent Manor Nursing Home in the Dietary Department. Gardening was her passion, and she was a devout organic gardener growing a wide variety of herbs, vegetables and flowers. She was a wonderful dancer, a beautiful singer, a skilled harmonica player, a creative seamstress, an excellent cook and a breast cancer survivor.
She married Carlton Wendell Holmes in 1951. Carlton died in 1969. Barbara is survived by their four daughters: Jena Holmes-Thomas and David of Pownal; Kate Holmes and Chip, also of Pownal; Roxie Holmes and her partner Dan of Bridport, VT; and Beth Holmes of Bennington. She also is survived by grandsons Adam Holmes and Megan of Jacksonville, FL; Caleb Thomas and Meg of Jericho, VT; Bryce Thomas and Shannon of Bennington, and Wesley Green of Bennington, granddaughter Jasmine Pratt of Bennington, and several great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind the Reverend Richard McSherry, a very close family friend, whom she considered her only son, and Paul, her partner and caregiver of many years. In 1967, she married Charles Comstock. He predeceased her, and she is survived by step-daughters Carolyn Comstock of Burlington, VT and Cheryl Casey of Durham, CT. She’s survived by sisters Jean Smith and partner Jim of Bennington and Mary Manglass and Ralph of Beacon, NY; numerous nieces, nephews, and a very large extended family. She was predeceased by sisters Pauline and Dody, and brother Caleb.
The family would like to thank BAYADA/Hospice for the excellent and loving care shown to Barbara from all of the staff that worked with her. Also thanks for the many years of wonderful care she received from Dr. Barbara Raskin and the staff of Bennington Family Practice.
Barbara’s funeral will be held at 12:00 on Saturday October 29, 2016 at the Shaftsbury United Methodist Church, 127 Church Street, Shaftsbury, VT with the Reverend Richard McSherry officiating. If friends desire, contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to BAYADA/Hospice, 194 North Street, Bennington, VT 05201; VT Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495-4031; or Shaftsbury United Methodist Church.