Barbara Ann Sowersby

Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late John and Mabel (Kay) Wilde. She attended Fall River Schools before moving to Swansea where she graduated from Case High School.

Along with raising a family, Barbara spent her career as the office manager of Baker Tractor Corporation for 43 years. She was also president of the family business, Gray Barn Antiques and Sowersby’s Auctions, until its closure in 2024.

Married to her husband, Robert Sowersby, for 67 years until his death in 2020, they spent many of those years vacationing in Provincetown, where they made lifelong friends.

Barbara was artistic and enjoyed painting. Her many paintings are treasured and can be found hanging in family member’s homes. Barbara enjoyed the beach and sunsets along with drives to Island Park where she shared many fond memories of summer days at her grandparents’ home there. She was an avid reader who also loved a good crossword puzzle. Barbara took great pride in her flower and vegetable gardens and loved decorating for the holidays, but loved spending time with family most of all.

Predeceased by her son, Russell A. Sowersby, her son-in-law, Peter Ried and her brother, Alan Wilde, she is survived by her children, Robert J. Sowersby, Linda Sowersby Ried, Susan Bishop and husband David, Lisa A.S. Arruda and husband Gary along with her brother, Bruce Wilde and his wife Mary, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barbara took great joy in spending time with her 9 grandchildren: Chad Sowersby, Kyle Sowersby, Kelly Abbott, Gillian Clegg, Alexander Ried, Russell E. Sowersby, Nicole Bishop, David (DJ) Bishop, and Cory Arruda. The biggest smiles came when any of her 14 great grandchildren came by to play with her stash of toys or raid the Starburst jar. She loved attending all of their activities including sporting events, dance, and theater performances. From Olivia to Peyton, Liam, Charlie, Piper, Greyson, Audrey, Emilia, Isabella, Madison, Cayson, Oliver, Harrison and Collette, she loved spending time with them.

Her celebration of life will be held Sunday, January, 4, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River. Visiting hours will be 12:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial tribute at 2:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bishstrong Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 70772, Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth , MA 02747.