Longtime Red Cross Volunteer Dies at 102

Agnes Lucille (Buxton) Barker, 102, of Nashua, wife of the late Laurence Alvin Barker, died peacefully on October 29, 2013 at the Hunt Community.

She was born in Nashua on August 3, 1911, the daughter of the late Fred T. and Marion (Kay) Buxton.

Mrs. Barker was educated through the Nashua school system and attended the University of New Hampshire.  She married her husband, Laurence Barker on October 21, 1934 following her husband’s graduation from UNH.

Agnes spent her summers on Capitol Island, Maine, where she and Laurence loved cruising and picnicking on the family boat with family and friends.  She was well known for her thoughtfulness and wonderful, positive outlook that never wavered.  She was a very special mother, friend and neighbor.

Over the years, she was an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, The King’s Daughter’s Association and the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (the former Memorial Hospital) where she was active for over 40 years.

Agnes was delighted to commemorate her 100th birthday by christening her grandson’s sailboat, the “Agnes B” and enjoyed a sail around Boston Harbor.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Ruth Quitkin of Oriental, NC, Marion Joyce Bliss and her husband Arthur of Gold Canyon, AZ and Carol Jane Gowing and her husband Andrew of Appleby, England; her four grandchildren, Matthew Quitkin, M.D. and his wife Olya of Stratham, NH, Ian Ronald Gowing and his wife Rachael of England, Lindsey Joy Barringer and her husband Nicholas of England, and Travis Laurence Gowing of East Boston, MA; three great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A Memorial Service in her honor will be held at the DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, One Lock St., Nashua on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM.  The Rev. James S. Chaloner, Senior Minister, The First Church, U.C.C. (Congregational) will officiate. Friends are invited to attend.  Interment prayers and burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds St., Nashua, NH 03060.