Barbara Ryans Brackett

She was born on October 16, 1934, in Brattleboro, VT, the daughter of Mary (Laing) Ryans and Rev. John R. Ryans. At that time, her father was the minister at the Spofford, NH Methodist Church. Barbara spent her formative years in Auburn and Manchester, NH.

After high school graduation, she attended Keene State College where she met her future husband William Brackett of Colebrook, NH. They were married in 1955. In 1957 she graduated from Keene State with a degree in education. She completed her studies while being a mom to her first two children, Steven and Bruce. Her third son Scott was born in 1959 in Plymouth, NH.

Barbara was an elementary school teacher for almost 30 years. During this time, she and Bill raised their three sons, traveled, spent time at their cottage in Narragansett Bay and enjoyed socializing with friends at the German Club and Chippanee Country Club. In retirement she and Bill spent winters in Naples, FL and summers in Walpole, NH.

Her passions were family, volunteering with children at the Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster, VT, and her gardens. Even in her later years, calls and visits with family were cherished events. And, during visits with young ones her face brightened, she sat up straight and her voice returned to a reassuring and encouraging tone developed over a lifetime of loving and teaching children.

She is survived by her three sons, Steven (Pauline) of Jaffrey, NH, Bruce (Deborah) of Greer, SC and Scott (Pamela) of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren Jon (Marilyn), Will (Lindsay), Libby (Alex), Patrick (Brooke), Chris (Sara) and Tim (Casey); and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Ben and her husband Bill.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00am at the United Church of Bellows Falls, 8 School Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mrs. Brackett’s memory to the Kurn Hattin Homes, 708 Kurn Hattin Road, Westminster, VT 05158.