Barbara Maud (Clark) Dauphin, 94 died at her home on Monday (October 24, 2016) surrounded by love.
She was born on December 29, 1921 to Maud and Merton Clark of Guilford, VT., where she grew up on the family farm with her older siblings Ken, Elizabeth, Marjorie, John and Rodney. She preferred helping her beloved father and brothers with the farm chores to playing with her sisters. She loved walking barefoot to school, where her sunny disposition made her a favorite of teachers and classmates alike. After graduating from Brattleboro High School in 1936, Barbara attended Castleton Normal School, earning her teaching certificate in 1939. Soon after, she married her college sweetheart, Albert and they settled in Claremont. She taught at Ottaquechee Special Needs School, where Al was founder and principal, helping students learn to cook, shop, clean and sew, and especially appreciate and care for each other. Life was always centered on family, whether it was Barbara and Al’s own five children or extended or “borrowed” family. Visitors were always welcome to share in family meals. Friends thought nothing of biking four miles, hitching a ride when a parent couldn’t drive them, or finding some excuse to stop by. After their children started school, Barbara worked at first at Sears & Roebuck, then at the welfare agency, helping to improve other families’ lives. Her retirement years were spent gardening, traveling, taking cruises, square dancing, visiting family and friends and growing blueberries. A member of St. Mary Parish, she spent several years as its secretary, as she did for AARP’s Claremont Chapter.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband in 2006.
In addition to her sister, Marjorie Evans of Guilford, she leave behind five children and their families; Joan D. and David Buck, of Peterborough; Jeanette D. Girard and Richard Malloy, of Keene, Andrew J. Dauphin and Tony Zullo; Robert F. and Carol G. Dauphin, of Claremont; David A. Dauphin and Bruce Murphy, of Gilsum; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Friday with the Rev. Shawn M. Therrien, pastor, officiating. Committal followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice Client Fund, Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice, 107 Newport Road, New London, NH 03257.
You are invited to share a memory of Barbara with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.
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