Barbara Wright Anderson Hurley, 93, of Brooksville, FL, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2022 at Brooksville Healthcare Center, Brooksville, FL.
The funeral service and internment will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden, 174 Whisconier Rd., Brookfield, CT, Saturday morning October 15, 2022 at 11:15 AM, with the Rev. Joseph Shepley officiating. All are welcome, reception to follow the service.
Barbara was born in Bethel, CT at home on November 10, 1928; the daughter of John and Esther (Wright) Anderson of Bethel. A graduate of Bethel High School, Class of 1946 – the first class to publish a high school Yearbook.
Barbara was married to Arthur Hurley of Danbury, CT. They had one daughter, Susan Hurley Howell of Brooksville, FL.
Barbara continued her education, pursuing Secretarial studies, graduating from the Katherine Gibbs Executive Secretarial Program; ACES for Christian Education Directors, and several courses in Humanities and Communications Arts from Western CT State University.
Starting as Medical Secretary for local surgeon Dr. John Gaffney, Barbara later worked as a legal secretary for the distinguished Danbury Law firm of George, Sherwood, Hull and Pinney. Shortly thereafter, she became the Parish Secretary and Director of Christian Education at St. Thomas‘ Episcopal Church for several years, working with the Rev. Fred Ferris, Rector.
Pursuing a new opportunity, Barbara began working in the accounting department of the Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Norwalk, CT. As the Hubble Space Telescope program took shape, a new facility was constructed in Wooster Heights, Danbury, CT. Willing to take on a new challenge and using here secretarial skills, she began working for the Engineering department. Perkin-Elmer became a source of lifelong friendships and camaraderie.
An Episcopalian since birth, Barbara has always been actively involved in her Church. Singing in both children’s and adult choirs, Altar Guild service and past Director; Vestry Member; Church fairs and horse show fund raising; Community Thanksgiving Dinners; Cursillo. In early years, Barbara was a Rainbow Girl, serving her community. Always welcoming and outgoing, Barbara was often known as the “Coffee Hour Lady”, ready to welcome a stranger or offer a fresh cup of coffee and conversation. Even in her later years, she remained concerned for the welfare of others.
Wearing her signature purple-framed eyeglasses and sparkling nail polish, chocolate ice cream was a daily staple while living in Florida. Many days involved riding in her daughter’s convertible Miata with the top down and a smile lighting her face. Later days were enjoyed outside with her favorite hazelnut flavored ice coffee.
Barbara enjoyed flower gardening, walking, bicycling, camping, and travel with her daughter. Favorite areas included the beaches of Maine and CT, and an RV trip to the family dairy farm in Wisconsin.
Barbara was predeceased by both parents and brother. She is survived by her daughter, Susan; nieces Janet Blanchette of Bethel, CT, Carol Epple of Austin, TX, Lynne Anderson of Avon, CT, Jill Anderson of Bethel, CT; nephew Mark Anderson of Bethel.
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