Obituary: Arline O’Brien Barber of Goshen

Obituary courtesy of Thurston Rowe Funeral Home

Arline O’Brien Barber of Goshen CT passed away peacefully at home on February 3rd, 2021. She was a loving wife and best friend to her husband James Barber.

Arline was born in Bridgeport CT to James and Helena O’Brien. She attended Saint Patrick’s elementary and Central High school. Always known for her great sense of humor and wonderfully infectious laugh she set her adventuresome sights on becoming an interior designer. After high school Arline attended a private art and design college located in Greenwich Village - Parsons School of Design. Unfortunately at the end of her first year her father passed away unexpectedly. That would bring Arline back to Bridgeport where she graduated from St. Vincent’s Nursing school.

During those three years she so enjoyed philosophical classes taught by the Jesuits from Fairfield University; cosmetology, epistemology and ethics. She then worked at St. Vincent’s here she served as president of her alumni class. Arline went on to receive her Bachelors and Master’s degree from Bridgeport University with an accreditation in Public Health. Later Arline served the VNA in Guilford and then became a supervisor in Fairfield.

Her next chapter would be her favorite. Joining the Board of Education in Stratford, CT Arline worked as a school nurse/teacher for the next twenty two years. Her biggest joy was elementary; she so loved working with and helping the children. Always busy, during the summers she could be found at nursing care facilities or even over at Fairfield University as a live-in nurse for football camps.

Arline was a loving wife who enjoyed travel, baking and entertaining. She loved the arts, nature and animals. She enjoyed life to the fullest and will be missed by all that knew her.

Arline is survived by her husband James Barber; her brother in law John Barber and wife, Marcia; her two nephews, Mark Barber and husband Parker Fader; Kevin Barber and wife Kelly Jo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Little Guild; Animal Shelter in Cornwall, CT (www.littleguild.org )

A Celebration of Arline’s life will be held this summer.