Barbara Buckman Towle

Barbara Buckman Towle

Formerly of Westminster, and of Calimesa, CA - Barbara (Hamlett) Buckman Towle - Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

Barbara (Hamlett) Buckman Towle, a longtime resident of Westminster, passed away of natural causes on September 20th, 2023, surrounded by loving family members at her home in Calimesa, CA.

The daughter of Vernon Hamlett and Hattie (Temple) Hamlett, she was born prematurely on June 4th, 1930 in Pepperell, MA weighing only 3 pounds. Kept alive by a wise aunt using a farmhouse oven as an incubator, she grew up in the Athol/ Orange area always with a smile on her face, an optimistic disposition and a gift for conversation. She graduated from Athol High School in 1948 and later married her first husband, Robert L. Buckman, in 1952 with whom she co-owned the Westminster Garage for over 35 years.

She loved being with her family and her many friends. She was a founding member of The Sewing Club in the early 1960s, her group of girlfriends, mostly young mothers, who met for craft and sewing projects mixed with lots of desserts, chitchat, and laughter. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Westminster, MA and taught Sunday school for several years. She was very active in her senior years as a membership coordinator with the local Friendship Club. Most importantly, she loved being with her kids and grandkids, eating, shopping, laughing and talking.

Her life took an interesting and unexpected turn when she reconnected with an old childhood sweetheart, Robert Towle, whom she married at the age of 79. She moved to Southern California and enjoyed being with him as an adored wife with his extended family.

She is survived by her husband Robert Towle of Calimesa, CA and her four children: Gary Buckman of Templeton, MA, Gregg Buckman of Westminster, MA, Debra Blake and her husband, Michael, of Gardner, MA and Scott Buckman of Westminster, MA. Also, her five grandchildren: Shanna Buckman of Templeton, MA, Sheri Buckman of Templeton, MA, Danyel Johnson of Nashville, TN, Tyler Blake of Hubbardston, MA and Seth Blake of Athol, MA and their spouses. And six great-grandchildren: Ella, Ava, Travis, Owen, Noah and Aria. Also, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Virginia.

A private memorial service and burial will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of contributions, please consider the gift that organ and body donation can mean to others.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.mackfamilyfh.com

The Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA is assisting Barbara's family

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors