Obituary of Barbara A. Siano Gilpatrick

Barbara A. (Siano) Gilpatrick, 87, passed away April 6, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her loving family, both near and far.

The world became a better place on October 7, 1936 when Barbara was born to the late Angelo and Gabrielle (Cote) Siano. She was raised in the Pine Point neighborhood of Springfield, MA alongside her brothers, Michael and the late Henry and John.

Barbara then moved to South Hadley where she made her home and resided for more than 60 years. There she mothered two children, the late Donald Gilpatrick and Lisa Doolittle, while continuing to maintain her dedication to her faith and her career. Barbara retired at the commendable age of 85 after working as the sole Property Manager for Hadley Village Condominium Association in South Hadley for 40 years.

A faithful longtime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, and an enthusiastic (past) member of The Ladies Guild, Barbara found joy in helping her community while putting her many talents to use. Always willing to lend a hand she could often be found crocheting, sewing garments, baking goods, making arts and crafts and aiding in fundraisers.

Barbara’s afternoons were spent going to mass, tending to her plants, doing puzzles, watching her favorite game show, Jeopardy and playing Rummy with her Daughter Lisa during their daily visits (Barbara was hard to beat!) On Sundays she looked forward to going to brunch with her granddaughter Dayna and great-granddaughter Leila and always enjoyed special visits filled with stories and smiles shared in person with her Grandson Matthew and Granddaughter Eliza, while feeling enormous love through letters and phone calls shared with them.

Barbara touched the lives of thousands; she had an unrivaled strength, facing life's challenges with a resilience that inspired us all. With Barbara's self-sufficient nature, accepting help was a struggle, especially in her later years; yet through it all she maintained her dignity and unfailing sense of humor, which was unique only to her. For example, she wanted her entire obituary to read “She was born, She lived, She died”– and although we wanted to honor her wishes; we felt someone so admirable, influential and near and dear to our hearts, deserved just a little bit more.

Reuniting with her son Donald, her parents Angelo and Gabrielle, and siblings Henry and John who all passed before her, we can't help but imagine Barbara tending the gardens of Heaven with the same love and care she showed here on Earth.

Barbara will be missed by many, but especially by her daughter Lisa Doolittle, her grandchildren Eliza, Dayna and Matthew Doolittle; Her great granddaughter Leila Doolittle and her brother Michael Siano. Barbara also leaves behind her grandchildren Evan, Adam, Samantha and Haley Gilpatrick and her great grandson Dominic Gilpatrick; as well as extended family and friends of whom she loved dearly.

As we say goodbye to the physical presence of our dear Nana, we simultaneously celebrate the incredible imprint she has left on each of us. Barbara helped to shape who we are and who we will all grow to be. We love you; we miss you and we are forever grateful for every moment we were blessed to spend with you. May you rest in eternal peace.

If you would like to join us in celebrating the life of our unparalleled Golden Girl, calling hours will be from 5:00 - 7:30 pm on June 28th followed by closing words of remembrance at Beers and Story Funeral Home in South Hadley. Funeral Mass will be at Saint Patrick's Church in South Hadley on Saturday June 29th at 10:00am. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to: Saint Patrick’s Church, South Hadley.