Barbara Lynn Templeton, age 72, died with grace in the early morning of Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her daughters Traci and Kristi and granddaughter Mimi Soleil.
Born to Mary and Richard Sawyer on Jan, 18, 1947, Templeton grew up in Bridgewater Corners, as the eldest of six children. Templetonwas devoted to her family. She was very close to her sisters, Nancy and Kim, and very close to and proud of her brothers, Billy, Timmy and Tommy. She loved to laugh and share memories with her siblings. She loved them very dearly and continued to give unconditional love and support to them right up until her death. She also enjoyed her sister’s and brother’s children and grandchildren. Time with them brought her great joy.
After graduating from Woodstock Union High School in 1965, Templeton got her first job as assistant manager for Bill Alsup of Poma Aerial Tramways. Templeton was extremely proud that her life experiences afforded her the knowledge and ability to open two businesses, Down Under Video and The Village Exchange consignment. She was grateful to the people in her life who believed in her as she worked hard to fulfill her dreams.
Later in life, Templeton found her passion as a caregiver. She had a profound devotion to her clients and their families. Her desire to help, and her sincere kindness made her a woman with endless compassion who provided friendship, comfort and a sense of dignity to all. Templeton was always the first to show up at your door with a home cooked meal in times of need. It should be known – she loved to cook!
Her marriage to Gary K. Templeton gave her three beloved children; daughters Traci and Kristi and a son, Joshua. Her daughters gave her three grandchildren, Mimi, 19, Arlo, 8, and Billie ,4 1/2. Her grandchildren gave joy and lots of laughter. Nonnie, as she was affectionately called, cherished her deep and everlasting bond with Mimi, always offering her unconditional support and advice. She taught Mimi how to drive. They loved going for rides and singing their favorite songs together. Billie and Arlo loved their dance parties at Nonnie’s house, and how she always had a little “surprise” or two to their delight. Arlo and Billie will miss their Friday fun nights with their Nonnie- these times will be most treasured.
Templeton’s gift of friendship came full circle in the form of over 100 cards she received from her friends and community before her passing. She was overwhelmingly grateful for this generous outpouring of love and kindness. These acts of friendship gave her great comfort.
Templeton was predeceased by her mother, Mary Sawyer, her father, Richard Sawyer, her son, Joshua Kent Templeton, and her brothers William Sawyer and Thomas Sawyer.
There will be a celebration of Templeton’s life on Sunday, June 23, at 1 p.m. with a service at the Bridgewater Congregational Church and a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bridgewater Congregational Church where Templeton was an active member: P.O. Box 4, Bridgewater, VT, 05034.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com.
