Barbara Richards Strong

It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of Barbara Richards Strong on Monday March 18, 2024.

Barb was predeceased by her husband Bill, in 2021. She leaves 4 children Kathy (& Bill) DiBella, Don Strong (& Rhonda Morin), Tricia (& Glen) Shepherd, Betty Strong (& Jim Rumreich), 7 grandchildren Elise DiBella (& Chris Tucci), Lauren (& Joe) Horne, Samantha Shepherd, Jemina Shepherd, Maxwell Shepherd, Frank Rumreich, Bonnie Rumreich, and 5 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Aria, Keira, Juliet, and Victoria.

Mabel and Stephen Richards welcomed their second child and oldest daughter Barbara on December 2, 1937. Due to her father’s job, her family moved frequently during her childhood. As a young woman, Barb became an accomplished piano player and began her lifelong love of animals, bonding with the family dogs.

After graduating from Pennsbury High School (Pennsylvania) in 1955, Barb attended the University of Buffalo where she studied to become a secretary. After receiving her associate’s degree in 1957, Barb worked at Clarkson University’s engineering school. It is there that she met her husband, Bill. A few years (and kids!) later in 1966, Barb & Bill packed up and moved to Hudson, NH, where they welcomed their fourth child, and lived for 30 years.

Barbara worked at the Nashua YMCA for over 20 years as the Aquatics Director. She taught thousands of local residents of all ages and abilities how to swim. In the summers, she was aquatics director of YMCA Camp Sargent. Barb’s family made many happy memories living in the little cabin on Naticook Lake in Merrimack NH.

Barb was also an avid bowler and bridge player. After retiring, Barb & Bill moved with Barb’s beloved dog Porky to Greenville, ME where they lived for 20 years. She enjoyed daily walks, quilting, and birdwatching. For the last 10 years of her life, Barb was a much-loved resident at the Hunt Community in Nashua.

The family will host a Celebration of Life in Spring/Summer of 2024. Details will be sent to friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society for Greater Nashua and/or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.