Barbara Anne Christenbery, 82, of Derry, New Hampshire, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She was born on July 13, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late Rose Mary (Gibbons) Madill and Hugh Ross Hammelef. Barbara graduated from Clawson High School in 1962. Shortly thereafter Barbara made a temporary move to San Diego, California where she worked for the President of Surfer Magazine (still in existence today) before moving back to Michigan. She lived in Michigan until her move to Kentucky with her late husband, Frederick Lee Christenbery, and their only child, a treasured daughter, Jenna Marie, in 1973. On April 1, 1980, the family of three and their beloved poodle, Patches, were relocated to Derry by Ingersoll Rand. Prior to her recent 2025 move back to Derry, Barbara had been a resident of Bedford, New Hampshire for the past 23 years.
Following the family’s move to Derry in 1980, Barbara worked for the Londonderry School District as the principal’s secretary at South School in Londonderry for many years and made many lifelong friends! This position in the school district also allowed her to get to know so many families in the Londonderry and Derry community. It also afforded her quality time and the chance to make many memories with Jenna (and her friends) until she graduated Pinkerton Academy in 1984.
Before Barbara turned 50, she decided it was time – her time to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a flight attendant and she was fully supported by her family. No one was surprised that she soared through flight attendant school for Business Express (BizEx) which eventually became part of Delta Airlines and later merged with American Eagle Airlines. Barbara’s hub was BOS in Boston, Massachusetts and Pease AFB in Newington, New Hampshire which later became part of the MHT crew in Manchester, New Hampshire. Barbara, or Queenie as she was affectionately known to her co-workers, retired from US Airways at MHT in February 2014. Barbara truly loved each and every city she ever traveled to on the East Coast and in Canada via the airlines. AND, more importantly, so many wonderful lifelong friendships were made that it is truly impossible to name them all, but they know who they are – friendships that became family! Friendships that still remain strong to this day!
Barbara was loved and treasured by all that were in her presence – a true English gem with the mannerisms that matched! Barbara was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Albert William Gibbons, born in London, England, and Margaret L. “Maggie” Long-Gibbons, born County Clare, Ireland, prior to moving to the United States. Barbara loved her English tea – a very hot cup of tea with milk and sugar with a little sweet treat!
Barbara always loved anything and everything to do with – gardening (plants, flowers, and trees) and had quite the green thumb! However, her greatest love was ELVIS – every album and every song was always playing around the house especially during the weekend and chores. Not to mention several trips to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee – even a week after his passing with Jenna and friends in tow! There were many other artists she loved as well, including Bruno Mars and Celine Dion. Hobbies included shopping, shopping, and more shopping, reading, crafts, sewing, cooking, baking, eating seafood, entertaining, swimming, traveling, and anything related to London and the Royal Family including Lady Diana. While some of those hobbies dwindled as she aged, the memories and love for them remained strong!
Barbara loved the beach – Nubble Lighthouse and Plum Island! Many fond memories were shared there with her longtime companion, Robert “Bob” Zalenski of Newton Junction, New Hampshire and Newburyport (Plum Island), Massachusetts, as well as his children, grandchildren, and their friends. And, with Buffy, her beautiful Bichon.
Barbara’s friends and other family members are spread out all over the United States and they are from childhood to neighbors, and every job or adventure she ever had! She was always remembered by so many, even when out and about people would stop her to say hello. A true treasure to so many and unforgettable!
Barbara loved her family fiercely and loved to make memories - spend every second possible with them – their entire lives! She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jenna Bradley of Derry and her son-in-law, Keith John Bradley; two granddaughters who were the light of her life- Amelia Ruggirio, and Katie Lee (Ruggirio) Durkee and her grandson-in-law, Russell Paul Durkee II who she adored, all of New Hampshire; one loving sister, Carolyn Brooks and her husband, John Brooks, of Michigan; a very special nephew, Robert Brooks, of Michigan, a very special niece, Holly (Brooks) Flaker, of Michigan, as well as many additional nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by one beloved granddaughter Alicia Anne.
Following cremation, a Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at the Puritan Backroom Conference and Center, Room C, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, New Hampshire. A brief funeral service will be held at 6:30pm. This time will be filled with laughter, funny stories, her favorite foods and desserts from there, and of course with her favorite music especially by ELVIS and Bruno Mars! Please join in celebrating this very special and incredibly loving human being that is now an angel in heaven watching over all of us that she loved – well once she finishes her cup of tea with her loved ones that were awaiting her arrival.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a flower or a tree in your yard and think of her year after year. Donations can also be made in her memory to your local animal shelter since she loved animals.