Barbara Louise Guthrie

Born in Midland, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late William and Evelyn (Dietrick) Fagley. Barbara graduated from Michigan State University in 1974, where she met her husband of 51 years. They settled in East Hartford and became devoted members of South Congregational Church. Barbara earned her masters degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University.

Barbara’s lifelong career as a librarian for the East Hartford public libraries was inspired by her deep love of reading and the written word. She was known for her handwritten correspondence, whether from East Hartford or her winter residence in Lake Wales, FL. She also enjoyed photography, word searches, and was devoted to her faith.

Barbara is survived by her husband Robin; their two daughters Amy (Jeremy) Keyes and grandchild in Everett, WA, and Lynn Marie (Josh) Guthrie-Libby and two grandchildren in Medford, MA; her sisters Susan Lee of Okemos, MI and Patricia Fagley of Charlotte, NC; many cherished nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her beloved Maine Coon cat, Eowyn.

A celebration of life will be held at South Congregational Church in East Hartford in May of 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the Choir of South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118.

The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com