Barbara M. (Schulda) Patenaude

Baystate Village; Barbara Mary (Schulda) Patenaude of 150 Maplewood Terrace, Baystate Village section of Northampton, passed away at age 92 at Buckley Health Care Center in Greenfield, Massachusetts.  Barbara was born September 3rd 1928 in Northampton and was the daughter of the late Joseph Schulda and Mary (Kearney) Schulda.  Barbara spent almost her entire life living and raising her family in the Village and was very proud of it and her heritage. One of her fondest memories was time she spent with her Grandparents John and Katherine (Ulrich) Schulda on Warner Street and the time she got to spend with her Uncle John Ulrich. They often rode the trolley from Baystate to Northampton to catch a Saturday movie. Something she never forgot.  She also never forgot her humble depression era roots that helped guide her in life.

Barbara attended local schools including the Baystate Village School and Vernon Street School.  She won many spelling bee's in her day and each one was awarded with a shiney new buffalo nickel which she kept until her passing. She was a proud graduate of the Northampton High School's Class of 1945. She attended many of their reunions.  She always noted how difficult her time was in school with many of her classmates going off to WWII and some not making it home.

During one of her visits to her grandparents she met the love of her life and her future husband Bob Patenaude while he was visiting his grandparents house next door. They were married Monday, March 26th, 1951 (Easter Monday) at Saint Mary's Church in Northampton and settled in Baystate. Prior to their marriage, Barbara's father was injured in an accident at the Northampton Cutlery. This took his life and her husband was drafted for the Korean War all in the same year. Luckily, Bob was sent to Germany for occupation duty and she had had enough. She travelled to Germany in 1952 and lived in Bad Kreuznach for the next year. She described it as the best time of her life.  She still remembered the corner house on Tilgesbrunnenstrasse like it was yesterday. Sadly, her husband died in 1986 at an early age. She stood strong and faithful to him all these years later.

Barbara worked at the former C&I Automotive in Northampton and the New England Telephone Company.  She left the work force to raise her family. After a short stay on Wilson Road they built their home on Lexington Ave where they raised their four children.

Barbara was very active in her community. She was a PTA mom and assistant brownie leader. Many neighborhood children will remember her working the library at William Feiker School on Wednesday nights.  She was also a talented painter and spent so much of her time painting at home and as a member of many local Brush and Pallette Clubs and displaying her art work at many shows.  She was a # 1 fan of the Boston Celtics never missing a game.

Barbara especially enjoyed Christmas Eve every year at her house with her family. Later in life she most enjoyed bus trips to the casino with her cousins and friends.

Barbara is survived by her four children; Michael (Jane) of Holyoke, Linda Alvord (David) of Plainfield, Mark (Laura) of Millers Falls and Keith (Jennifer) of Plainfield and her 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and several cousins,  nephews and a niece.  Besides her parents and husband she was predeceased by her sister Patricia Bridgman, her infant sister Mary Katherine and brother John Joseph.

A special thank you to the dedicated staff at Buckley Health Care Center in Greenfield.  Especially Sam, Ryan, Pam, Melody and Denise in activities.  Also, the end of life special care by the team at New England Hospice Partners in Care.

Donations may be made to the Buckley Health Care Center Activities Fund, 95 Laurel Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or New England Hospice, 190 Old Derby Street, Suite 304, Hingham MA 02043.

There are no calling hours. There will be a graveside service in the spring at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Northampton.

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