Barbara Joan Vanderburgh

Barbara was born on January 16, 1931, in Providence, Rhode Island, the first child of James Edgar Bradley and Jeanie (Ferguson) Bradley. She was the oldest of five children: Donald (Dot) Bradley, Patricia (Robert) Merza, Maureen (Bradford) Riddle, and James (Joan) Bradley.

Barbara spent all of her adult life in East Hartford, where she graduated from East Hartford High School and built a life centered on faith and family. She was preceded in death by her much-loved husband, Henry Vanderburgh, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.

She is survived by her devoted children: Bradley (Joanne) Vanderburgh, Jeanie Paradis, and Patrick (Barbara) Vanderburgh; her seven loving grandchildren: Chad (Karina) Vanderburgh, Kevin (Jennifer) Paradis, Krystal (Justin) DeMarco, Lindsay Vanderburgh, Jessica (Pierson) Pflieger, Jeffrey (Sara) Vanderburgh, and Emilee (Kendall) Wyss; and fifteen cherished great-grandchildren.

Barbara was a gifted homemaker who deeply loved her family and worked tirelessly to create a warm, welcoming home for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, she lived her faith daily through love, service, and quiet strength.

While she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, rejoicing in eternal life with her Savior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Milwaukee Rescue Mission – 830 N. 19th Street/Milwaukee, WI 53233 (milmission.org); or Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org).