Maria A. Barber

ROXBURY - Maria A. Barber, 82, of Roxbury, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.  She was the beloved wife of Donald Barber for 62 years. 

Maria was born in Nari Sicily on April 18, 1940, to the late Alfonse and Grace Vella.  She and her family came to America when Maria was 6 years old.  She grew up in Manhattan where she finished her education and started a career as an administrative assistant, even working on Wall Street for a while.  She met the love of her life, Donald, who was from Brooklyn, while they were at a dance.  Five years later, they would get married on September 10, 1960.  As they started a family together, they knew it was time to move out of the New York area.  They settled on a home in Roxbury, where Donald would continuously build additions over the years to meet the needs of the family.  They have been there ever since, raising their two daughters.  Maria worked for the Town of New Milford for many years, and in her spare time would love to cook Italian meals, work on her art, and listen to classical music.  She loved to watch the wildlife pass through their property.  She even cooked food for a family of raccoons that would visit very often.  But most importantly, she loved her family, who will miss her terribly.

Besides her loving husband, Maria is survived by her two daughters: Joanna Pond of Kona, HI, and Suzanne Barber of Hebron, CT.  She is also survived by her granddaughter: Annabelle Pond; and two sisters in law: Rose West and Eleanor Barber.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Joseph Vella.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, January 30, 2023 at the Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Maria's name are asked to be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.StJude.org.  For directions, or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.

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