Barbara J. (Wheeler) Sibley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Barbara Wheeler Sibley. Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on November 7, 2024 surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with dementia. Until the end, she maintained her grace, humor and love of family and friends.

Barbara was a beloved wife, preceded in death by two spouses; Raymond M. Herlihy (1958) and Det. Lt. Roy F. Sibley (1981), and her companion James F. Watt (1995). She was born in Pittsfield, MA on November 2, 1937, the youngest of eight children to the late Russell and Madeline Farnum Wheeler. Barbara was a 1955 honors graduate of Lenox High School.

Ever the career girl, Barbara’s professional success began with her first job folding newspapers at the Model Dairy at the young age of six. She went on to hold many positions during her career including at the General Electric Ordnance Division where she received numerous employee awards. Suspending her career to raise her children, Barbara later obtained her paralegal certificate and worked for over twenty years at the law firm of Simon Cook & Shepard. Barbara retired from Lockheed Martin in 1995. A woman of great faith, Barbara was a lifelong communicant of St. Ann Church. She was generous, supported many charitable groups, and enjoyed giving back to her community including serving as President of the Lenox High School Booster Club and volunteering for Elder Services of Berkshire County.

Barbara loved to travel to near and far places with family and friends, especially with Jim. The company was always more special to her than the destination. She was a loyal and true friend and enjoyed many lifelong and treasured friendships. Barbara enjoyed golf, especially playing with her sister Betty. She was an avid supporter of public safety and veteran organizations.

Barbara loved her country and her Fourth of July parties with Roy were a testament to her patriotism and were not to be missed. Above all other traits, Barbara was resilient. She confronted the many challenges placed in her path with incredible strength, character and courage.

Barbara was a devoted mother to R. Scott Sibley of Lenox, MA and Cheryl A. Sibley of Milton, MA; and a loving mother-in-law to Maria C. Sibley and M. Alejandra Zeledon. Nothing brought “Nana” more joy than her four grandchildren Cameron, Hannah, Jacqueline and Jason.

Barbara is survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings; brothers G. Russell Wheeler, Jr., Robert E. Wheeler and Richard E. Wheeler and sisters Mary K. Aspromonti, Claire E. Armstrong, Elizabeth A. Harrison, and M. Ann Ward.

There are no words to express our gratitude to each of our mother’s devoted caregivers for the dignity, patience and compassion with which they cared for her. We are especially grateful to her friends and longtime caregivers Kathleen O’Brien and Michelle Alden who was the first to begin the ten year journey with our family and who gave so much of her time and energy to make every day brighter and life a little less challenging. We are forever in your debt. We also express our deep gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Hospice Care in the Berkshires.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 23rd  at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox with the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery in Lenox Dale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires or the Lenox Fire Company in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St, Lee, MA 01238.