Barbara Jean Fielding , 75,  passed from her Wilder, VT home to her eternal home on Thursday, September 30, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones. She made it clear she did not yet want to leave her family but the grace and dignity with which she accepted her numbered days were awe-inspiring and comforting to all who walked through her cancer journey with her.

Barbara was born on May 21, 1946 in Scranton, PA, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Harvey) Coffman.  In her early teen years, Barbara's family moved to Springfield, VA where she graduated from Annandale High School. Prior to her graduation, she was introduced by her mother to the dashing assistant golf pro at her parents' country club, William C. Fielding. As the romance blossomed, Barbara attended American University. The couple were married at Annandale United Methodist Church on June 10, 1967 and moved to Bill's native NH to start their life together while finishing their degrees at UNH. Barbara graduated from UNH with a B.A. in English Literature in 1970. She was an avid reader and learner and would pass this love of books and reading to her children.  Barbara's home was a home literally exploding with books.

In 1972, the first of Bill and Barb's 4 children would arrive. This was followed by a move to River Street in Quechee, VT and three more children.  It is in this home and on her beloved front porch that she would raise her own children and impact many others with the warmth, encouragement and love that emanated from her for all without question. Bill and Barb's home was known far and wide for large family dinners - always with others at the table - and for her famous after-school snack cupboard.

As her children aged, Barbara returned to part-time work outside the home. First at The Mouse Menagerie in West Lebanon and then at Baker Orthodontics where Dr. Gregory Baker, his sons, and her coworkers became a second family to her for the next 26 years. It was also during this time period that the first of Barbara's 8 grandchildren arrived and Barb and Bill downsized to a smaller home in Wilder, VT. Though the house was smaller, the porch was larger in order to accommodate the next generation now receiving Barbara's wisdom and love on what was now known as Mimi's porch.

Despite being busy attending grandchildren's sporting events, school plays, concerts and continuing to be the hub of all family activities, Bill and Barbara made time for each other. They loved long drives on back roads throughout VT, NH and ME and looked for just the right place to put their Adirondack Guide Boat in the water.  Bill learned to wait "patiently" outside many a book, antique, clothing store, or nursery while Barb "poked around" for the right thing to bring home for her collections, closet or garden. Bill and Barbara's 57 year old love story will continue to be a lesson and inspiration to those who knew and loved them together.

Left to cherish Barbara's memory are her husband, Bill Fielding, of Wilder; children Jessica Connolly of Florida, Leah and John Hinckley of  Hartland,  Kerry and Doug Heavisides of  WRJ, and William R. Fielding and Kendra Dynok of North Pomfret. She is the beloved Mimi of Jordan, Lydia, Abigail, Isabella, Charlie, Jack, Eleanor and Olivia and to the one who made her 'Great', Leighton.  Her niece, Jennifer Pritchard, her nephew, Jeffrey Pritchard and her cousin, Nancy Toothaker each held a very special place in her heart.

The family would like to thank the tremendous staff at Bayada Hospice for their care of Barbara during September and to the innumerous neighbors, friends and co-workers who offered meals, texts, calls, prayers and porch visits during this journey. Also, a very sincere and eternally grateful thank you to Lani and Kathy Janisse and to Barbara's dear friend, Debbie Kerwin, for their pastoral prayers, love and care of Barbara.  Your love was astounding.

A Celebration of Life will be held indoors on Saturday, October 23 ^rd at Wellspring Worship Center, 407 North Main St, West Lebanon, NH at 1:30pm. Masks are required at the request of the family on behalf of Barbara so that all who wish to attend can do so without worry or distraction.  Please consider wearing something blue (her favorite color) as we celebrate her life together.

Condolences may be expressed to Barbara's family in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bayada Foundation, PO Box 1590, Norwich, VT 05055.