Barbara Helen Dewhirst

She was born January 18, 1937 in Methuen, MA., the daughter of the late Dr. Walter K. Stoehrer and Helen (Gilman) Stoehrer RN. She was a member of the first graduating class in 1954 of Tenney Memorial High School in Methuen, Fisher College in Boston, and received a BS Degree in Historical and Museum Studies Summa Cum Laude from Granite State College.

Barbara was a long time resident of Methuen, MA. And Gilford NH prior to retiring to Hobe Sound in 2005. While living in Methuen, she was a member of the Forest St. Union Church and the League of Women Voters. While living in Gilford, she was active in the Gilford Community Church, The Belknap Mill Society and Canterbury Shaker Village. While living in Florida, she volunteered at the Jupiter Light House and Loggerhead Marine Life Center. She worked at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island where she was introduced to the House of Refuge, becoming the weekend manager and tour guide. She was a 63 year member of Fidelity Chapter #90, Order of the Eastern Star in Haverhill, MA.

The widow of Charles F. Dewhirst Jr., family members include her sons; Richard C. and Lynn (Henry) Dewhirst of Salem, NH., Alan W. Dewhirst Sr. and Barbara Hook of North Andover, MA., Glenn E. Dewhirst of Hobe Sound, FL., and John C. Dewhirst of Laconia, NH., Grandchildren Alan W. Dewhirst Jr and his wife Brooke of North Andover, Paige and her husband Brandon Williams or Pittsburgh, PA., Dr. Laura B. Dewhirst of Salem, NH., and Robert C. Dewhirst of Methuen, MA., Samantha Dewhirst and Abigail Dewhirst both of Bluffton, SC and Catalina Dewhirst and Sophia Dewhirst both of Laconia, NH. Greatgrandchildren Steven, Saige, Willow and Wells, Cousins Margaret Gilman and Andrew Gilman, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also the mother of the late Amy E. Dewhirst, who died in 1988.

A celebration of life in Florida for Barbara will be held on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 4PM at the House of Refuge, 301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at 4 PM at The Forest St. Union Church, 15 Forest St., Methuen, MA. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 at the church.

Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in Gilford NH will be private

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Amy’s Room care of Gilford Community Church 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249.