Barbara Allen

Barbara Allen, a long-time Lee resident passed away on November 2, 2024 at the Berkshire Medical Center, in spite of support and encouragement from her friends and very good medical care from the nurses and doctors.  Her husband of 54 years, Gary had visited her early in the day and her daughter was with her when she died.

She was born in Buffalo, New York and her favorite thing there was the Museum of Science, where she got herself locked in overnight one night.  She and Gary went to Alfred University where she saved him from being expelled.  He went in the US Army upon graduation and was sent to Frankfurt, Germany.  He returned to Buffalo in February, married her, and they moved to Europe for two and a half years.  

Barbara worked at The Old Corner House, training guides and was there through the move to the new Rockwell Museum.  Barbara was responsible for creating and maintaining the archives at the Berkshire Historical Society / Arrowhead and the Procter Museum and Archives.  She wrote and directed a Christmas show on CTSB.  She recruited and trained a troupe of costumed enactors who supported her cemetery tours and house tours.  Working (and playing) with her troupe and training guides and archival workers was her favorite way to spend time.

Before downsizing and moving to Pittsfield, Barb and Gary resided on Summer Street in Lee for 45 years.  

Besides her husband, Gary, Barb leaves behind her two daughters, Rebecca Cosgrove and her husband, Brian, of Washington, DC and Kristen Brabham and her husband, John, of Syracuse.  She also leaves behind her six grandchildren and her mother-in-law of Waverly, NY.

A memorial fund, “The Barbara and Gary Fund” is being established to honor Barbara and her historical work.  Contributions may be mailed in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. 

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held Saturday, November 30 at 1:00 PM at the Courtyard Hotel in Lenox.