Virginia R. Barbour (Gear), age 81, a current resident of Ocala, FL and a former longtime resident of Tewksbury, MA passed away suddenly at West Marion Community Hospital surrounded by her family on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Virginia, who was affectionately called “Hon” by those who loved her, was born in Everett, MA on September 18, 1938.
She was the daughter of the late Patrick J. Gear and the late Martha A. Gear (O’Dwyer). Virginia was raised by her parents in Everett, MA alongside her eight brothers and two sisters, where she attended the Immaculate Conception Parochial School and Everett Public Schools. She was the beloved wife of 38 years to Charles H. Barbour Sr., who passed away on May 17, 1999.
In the early 1970s, Charles and Virginia moved to Tewksbury, MA to raise their three children. She remained there until 2007 before moving to Oak Run in Ocala, FL to be closer to many of her siblings.
A giver by nature, Virginia did not hesitate to raise two generations of her family. When her daughter-in-law, Pamela Barbour (Rainville), passed away at the early age of 38, she stepped in to raise her two grandchildren, Lauren and Justin, providing them with selfless love, support, and stability for the remainder of her full life.
While Virginia treasured spending time with her family first and foremost, she was also actively involved in her community. She was an avid ballroom and line dancer (clogger, too!) and enjoyed bringing warmth to friends and family through delicious cooking, crocheting, ceramics, and beautifully decorating her home for the holidays. Virginia’s sense of adventure never waned - taking countless cruises to places near and far. Most recently, to Hawaii in November with her current partner of 14 years, Vincent Connolly of Ocala, FL.
Virginia is survived by her children, Charles Barbour Jr. of Ocala, FL, Lisa Cruz (Barbour) of York, ME, and Nancy Barbour of Randolph, VT; grandchildren, Lauren Barbour of Brooklyn, NY, Justin Barbour of Ocala, FL, Castine, Caterina, Christianna and Matthew Bernardy of York, ME, and Gage Barbour of Randolph, VT.
Virginia was the sister of Marie Woodlock (Gear), Bill Gear, Ron Gear, Ted Gear, Jack Gear, and Jim Gear. She was predeceased by her sister Eleanor Feltenberger (Gear), as well as three brothers: Mike Gear, Patrick Gear, and Jerome Gear. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Virginia was formerly a parishioner of St. Williams Catholic Church in Tewksbury, MA and currently a parishioner of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, FL.
Calling hours are Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 4-8pm at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury, MA. A Life Celebration Service will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 10am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery.