Vernon Obituary: Barbara Gorr, 69

On August twenty first, Barbara Gorr, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, aunt and sister passed away in her sleep at home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1946, Barbara was the youngest child of Dr. and Mrs. Victor Froelicher. She was a proud graduate of St. Benedict’s Academy, Duquesne University and the University of CT.

She is survived by her husband, John Crowley of The Hearth in Glastonbury, her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen A. and Ted Sheppy, grandsons: Julian, Chase and Myles Sheppy of Lutherville, MD and her beloved dog, Echo. She is also survived by her sister, Marion F. Flaherty of E. Greenbush, NY and brothers Dr. Victor F. Froelicher and wife Susan of Palo Alto, CA and James R. Froelicher and wife Peggy of Punta Gordo, FL as well as a special niece, Beth Froelicher of San Francisco. Surviving stepchildren are Nora and Howard Crowley, Cynthia De Lacey, Jill Douthwright and Jack Gorr, Jr. plus eleven step grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her wonderfully kind neighbor, Mrs. Julia Povlosky.

Barbara retired from the CT Dept. of Developmental Services (formerly the Dept. of Mental Retardation) where she worked for thirty three years in a variety of positions. She served as a Residential Manager at Mansfield Training School, Supervisor of Licensing in Quality Assurance Division, and Manager in Contract Administration Division. Her concern for those who could not speak for themselves continued after her retirement. She was especially enthusiastic about participating in the Volunteer Resident Advocate with Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for which she volunteered at the Fox Hill Nursing Facility in Rockville.

Barbara’s interests were varied. She enjoyed her time as a member of the choir at the Unitarian Universalist Society East. An animal lover, she took pride in the accomplishments of her rescue dog, Echo, who with her patient guidance, flourished in Agility Training classes. An avid competitor in any game, she relished tracking down new board games to involve and challenge her grandsons and delighted in making all of the family don “Head Banz” for a reusing game. After her marriage to John Crowley in 2004 Barbara became an enthusiastic golfer who enjoyed many golfing weekends with her husband. The challenge of the game led to her membership in the Twin Hills Women’s Golf League and the Tallwood Women’s Golf League where she became a past president.

One of her most distinctive qualities was her ability to treat people on the job or in personal interaction with respect and dignity. She built lasting relationships with many of them.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 1 PM on Saturday, August 29th at the Unitarian Universalist Society East in Manchester with burial following in the U.U.S.E. Memorial Garden.

Gifts in Barbara’s memory are requested for her favorite Our Companions, P.O. Box 956, Manchester, CT 06045; the Alzheimer’s Association; or the American Lung Association.

For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.