Barbara Louise Budd

Barbara Louise (Johnson) Budd, 90, of Cheshire, Connecticut, passed away on March 16, 2023, following a brief illness.

Barbara was born on March 23, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Arthur and Doris (Patten) Johnson, and raised in Milton, Massachusetts, marrying Henry Hartley Budd, Jr., in 1959. After beginning to raise their family in Franklin, Massachusetts, Barbara and Hartley moved in 1970 to Cheshire, where she lived for the past 53 years.

Barbara was predeceased by Hartley in 1982, and is survived by their three children, Susan (Robert) Smith of Southington, David (Barbara) Budd of Cheshire, and Jonathan Budd of Cheshire. Barbara is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Abigail (Greg) Kessler, Elizabeth (Hays) Carson, Hannah (Mat) Fox, Joshua (Quin) Budd, Timothy Budd, Jessica Budd, Andrew Budd, and Benjamin Budd, as well as her seven great-grandchildren, Madison Kessler, Cole Carson, Eastyn Carson, Caleb Carson, Nathan Fox, Avonlea Budd, and Indigo Budd, her sister, Elizabeth (Richard) Bruce of North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Milton High School and the Chandler School for Women, Barbara worked in the dietary department at Elim Park for 30 years, retiring in her early 80s, and was proud of her independence, including knitting, driving, and visiting favorite spots right up until her illness. Above all, Barbara cherished time and conversation with family and friends, and would encourage others to cherish such opportunities as well.

Barbara will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Milton Cemetery; Barbara’s family and friends invite all to join in a celebration of her life at a Memorial Service at the First Congregational Church of East Haven (the Old Stone Church), on Sunday, March 26, at 2:00 p.m., with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s family encourages you to consider a donation to Franciscan Ever There Care (franciscanetc.org), which enabled Barbara to live supported in her home through the end of her journey.

Barbara lived her life as a woman whose strength came from her faith, such as Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? / My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. / . . . / The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; / the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with her arrangements.  To leave online condolences or to share a story of Barbara, please visit www.fordfh.com