Barbara Jane Robichaud

GARDNER - Barbara Jane (Brand) Robichaud, 72, died peacefully Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA, after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Her husband and daughters were by her side when she passed.

She was born in Gardner on March 12, 1950, the oldest daughter of the late Harold and Stella (Collette) Brand. Barbara grew up in Ayer and graduated from Ayer High School class of 1968. She played softball and field hockey in high school, and was a member of the Rainbow Girls, where she achieved the rank of Worthy Advisor.

Nothing brought Barbara more joy than spending time with her family. In addition to traveling with her husband and spending their winters together in Marco Island, FL, she loved watching her grandchildren's sporting events and dance competitions, cooking and hosting all the holiday gatherings for family and friends, sewing, playing cards, going to the casino, and watching golf on TV. 

 

Barbara truly lived her life to the fullest up until her final moments and never allowed the disease or her treatments to slow her down. During her retirement, she enjoyed cruising to several destinations, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean. In December, she and her husband enjoyed their final cruise, through the Panama Canal.

 

She leaves her beloved husband of nearly 52 years, John Robichaud; three daughters, Krista Williams and husband Matthew of Gardner; Sarah Landry and husband Stephen of Gardner; Michelle Maillet of Gardner; brothers Stephen Brand and wife Donna of Westmoreland, NH; Mark Brand of Port St. Lucie, FL; David Brand and wife Susan of Shirley, MA; Kenneth Brand and wife Marie of Sandown, NH; sisters Kathleen McGrath and husband Michael of Winter Garden, FL, and Joanne Kennedy and husband Arthur of Lunenburg, MA; grandchildren Daniel and Owen Williams, Hunter Maillet, and Charlotte and Eleanor (Ellie) Landry all of Gardner. She also leaves an uncle, Ronald Brand of NY, an aunt, Lois Collette of Gardner, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 6 - 8 pm in the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner.

 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 11 am in the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church, 161 Chestnut St., Gardner.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Barbara's memory be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.