Barbara I. (Bixby) Leonard, 78 of Norfolk died September 9 in her home following a long illness. She was the wife of the late Robert J. Leonard who died in 1989.
Born in New Bedford, September 19, 1928 the daughter of the late Howard and Meribah (Mead) Bixby, Mrs. Leonard was raised in Franklin and had lived in Norfolk for 44 years.
Mrs. Leonard loved to knit and supported numerous children’s aide programs around the world. Her home in Norfolk was always open to a child in need.
She is survived by her daughters, Joy Leonard and Gay Zervas of Norfolk. She was the mother of the late Spring Leonard.
She is also survived by her sister, Jane Baker of Bridgewater, and brothers, William Bixby of Franklin, Robert of Cedar Keys, Florida, Edwin of Tacoma, Oregon, Roger of Key West, Florida and she was the sister of the late Wayne Bixby.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robert, Amanda, Craig and Lacey, great-grandchildren, Nathan and Cole and her “special children” Leah and Diane.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 12 in the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Norfolk at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be in Norfolk Cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St., Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Norfolk Ambulance Fund 117 Main St., Norfolk, MA 02056 or the My One Wish Foundation, 208 Main St., Suite 25 Milford, MA 01757.