Barbara E. Alisauskas

Barbara Eileen Alisauskas, 79, of Athol, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born on August 13, 1945, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd E. Horan and Mildred A. Horan (nee Lampe).

Barbara grew up in Greenville, NY, and graduated from Greenville Central School in 1963. She attended nursing school at the Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital in Gardner, Massachusetts. 

Barbara was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Frank A. Alisauskas; children, Frank A. Alisauskas, Jr. of Winchendon, David A. Alisauskas of Athol, Jennifer G. Manning of Ashburnham, William L. Alisauskas of Royalston, Diana L. Alisauskas of Athol, and Steven P. Alisauskas of Baldwinville; sister, Carol H. Messick of Herndon, Virginia; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Meaghan Manning.

Barbara loved to crochet and knit. Over the years she created numerous beautiful afghans, baby clothes, crocheted runners, doilies, and other cherished items that adorn the homes of her family members and will be treasured forever. Her early years were filled with joy from gardening, owning horses, keeping busy as she cared for her growing family. 

Barbara loved to have family drop in at any time to visit her and Frank, and enjoyed attending all family gatherings, often bringing several dishes to share. Barbara was an excellent cook and baker who loved to pass along her many recipes. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Among her amusements, she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, music, ghost stories, and playing board games with her grandchildren as well as sitting on her swing watching the weather change, always ready for a thunderstorm. Barbara's legacy of love, care, and warmth will be a comforting memory to all who knew and loved her.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Mack Funeral home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA, with calling hours from 1-4 p.m., followed by a chapel service. 

Interment will be at the Green Bower cemetery, Union Street, South Gardner, Massachusetts, in a private ceremony for family at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Barbara can be made to the American Heart Association. Her life and love will remain a guiding light to all who were blessed to know her.