Barbara Helen Yates

Barbara Yates of New London, Connecticut, died from a brief illness on October 25th, surrounded by her loving family and friends. As a proud registered nurse, she specialized in the care of stroke patients and those with developmental disabilities. Barbara was part of a special stroke unit at the University of Indiana Medical Center for several years. She took care of patients at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, then at Seaside Regional Center in Waterford, CT and later served with health care services for the State of Connecticut. She was devoted to her patients and advocated for them on many levels. Her fighting spirit was a benefit to anyone under her care. Barbara was also an excellent athlete excelling in basketball, tennis, racquetball and beach volleyball.

She was born on September 15th, 1946, in Peekskill, NY, the daughter of the late Robert W. Yates, Jr. and Mary Doherty Yates. The Yates family moved to Clarks Green, PA, shortly afterwards, where Barbara grew up. She graduated from Marywood Seminary in Scranton, PA and Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. Barbara is survived by her devoted children Shannon Weyman of Waltham, MA and Jennifer Weyman Lyons and her husband Peter Lyons of Franklin, MA; one grandchild, Jack Lyons; her sisters Martha Yates-Linde and her husband Rick Linde of New York, and Pamela Yates and her husband Paco de Onís of New York; 3 nieces and nephews, Aaron and Sarah McBride and Nora Linde; her brother-in law Kenneth McBride; and 5 great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Kathleen Yates McBride.

Loved by many, she was a caring mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and loyal human to Callie, her dog who was her constant companion on daily walks through Harkness Park. She was funny and rebellious, had a voracious curiosity for films, books and culture, and read the New York Times daily.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, November 18th at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 19 Jay Street, New London, CT 06320 at 11am with a reception to follow. Virtual participation can be accessed via zoom. All are welcome.