Anne "Barbara" Hovey of Glen, NH and formerly of Reading, MA, beloved wife of 63 years to David Hovey, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2014. She was the loving mother of Cindy Bean and husband Don of Fryeburg Maine, Linda Martin and husband Rick of Reading MA, and Melissa Hovey and husband George Latour of Fort Collins CO. She cherished her grandchildren Jonathan Bean; Jessica Therrien; Jeffrey and Jennifer Martin; David, Megan, and Ian Latour; and her great grandchildren Brayden, Cody and Haley.
In addition to being a devoted mother and dedicated volunteer, Barbara enjoyed making others feel welcome and part of any situation. Many newcomers to town or church benefited from her advice on how to get involved and integrate into a new community. Her creative floral arrangements provided joy to many friends and organizations and she was active in the local garden club.
Her love for the outdoors, gardening, camping, hiking, and cross country skiing were shared with the many friends, sisters, nieces and nephews, and extended family members that she included in memorable outings and adventures. She had a love for history, particularly the Civil War. Her travels included numerous trips to many National Parks, Washington D.C., and her favorite, Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont.
Barbara worked for the Reading Public Schools for over 26 years. She particularly enjoyed her years at Reading Memorial High School library where she mentored many teens and fostered in them a love for the outdoors and encouraged them to be their best.
"Barb", "Mom", "Auntie Barbara", "Gram" instilled in all of us her spirit of adventure, independence, and perseverance. Her courage and determination in battling Parkinson's disease was remarkable. Her fine example of always doing the right thing, hard work, and honesty is a life-long gift that will be remembered and appreciated by all who had the honor of knowing her.
A reception for friends and family will be held on Wednesday August 20, 2014 6:00-8:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA (enter on Sanborn St.). A Celebration of Life will be held on December 21, 2014, 2:00 PM at the Jackson Community Church in Jackson, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Gibson Center for Senior Services, PO Box 655, N. Conway, NH 03860. Arrangements by Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, Reading MA at www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com.