Published March 7, 2019
PEABODY — Shirley (Eaton) Barter Washburn, 98, a resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody, and formerly a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Shirley was born on June 27, 1920 in Melrose, one of two children of the late Frank S. Eaton and Florence (Worcester) Eaton. She was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. Shirley was married to Paul J. Barter and raised a family of two children in Melrose. After the loss of Paul in 1982, Shirley married her longtime friend from Melrose High, Donald Washburn and they shared 23 years of dedication and friendship. Shirley and Don relocated to Brooksby Village in 2010.
Shirley was a very active member of the First Congregational Church where she served as Church Secretary from 1974 until 1985. While volunteering on various committees at the church, she also sang in the choir for over 40 years, and was a longtime member of Circle #5. Active in her community, Shirley was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood .
Shirley’s life can be encapsulated by three words: family, friends and faith. Her deep connection to family was held dear to her heart, and she cherished anytime spent together. Representing the best of grandmother traits, she was always a warm, loving and supportive presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She smiled with pride as she watched her grandchildren perform at recitals or events, She enjoyed baking and sewing, especially anything for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her free time, Shirley enjoyed quilting, gardening and was an expert in African Violet care. She took a special interest in the New England Patriots and kept an ongoing and detailed score sheet for every game she watched.
A sweet and kind hearted woman, Shirley’s affable and warm nature endeared herself to everyone she met. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed.
Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Donald M. Washburn, and the late Paul J. Barter. Devoted mother of Carolyn S. Ogren of Middleton, Linda J. Rocheford of Webster, N.H., and the late Richard J. Barter. Dear sister of the late Frank Eaton, Jr. Cherished grandmother of John Ogren and his girlfriend Bobbie of Rowley, Amanda Moda and her husband Wayne of Reading, Jeff Ogren and his wife Priscilla of Bartlett, N.H., and Jamie Gregg and her husband Robert of Penacook, N.H. Loving great-grandmother of Danielle, Vivian, Anabel, Tristan, and Hennix. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Shirley at the Braeburn Garden Room at Brooksby Village, 400 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody, on Wednesday, March 13 for a Life Celebration. Gifts in memory of Shirley may be made to the Protestant Fund, 300 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody MA 01960, or to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Ste. B102, Danvers MA 01923, or via caredimensions.org For directions, or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
