Barbara Garcia de Castro, age 89, died peacefully at her home in Hamilton, surrounded by loving friends and family. Her joie de vivre and strong will to live a full and independent life allowed her last years with her beloved cats in her own cozy cottage. Her independent lifestyle was supported by her loving caregivers; Gerry Flammia, Patti Neal, and devoted family. She was truly invested in embracing a multi-generational lifestyle in her wiser years. Living more independently allowed her a natural connection to her grandnieces and nephews; Peter, Chris, Samantha, Amy, Gator, Emily, Melli, Madison, and Spencer. She was also visited regularly by her lifelong friend, Dottie Eagleson, to sing their favorite songs and share childhood memories.
Barbara was born to Arthur and Elizabeth Poore on November 11, 1922. She had a sister Betty, who predeceased her, and a brother Richard Poore who now lives in Rockport. She grew up in Medford, Massachusetts and treasured her summers on Cape Ann. She settled in Miami, Florida, where she lived with her mother and had a long and distinguished career as a civil servant in the Air Force. Barbara also worked extensively with the Miami Chamber of Commerce. This work, combined with her engaging personality, brought her to work with many personalities from show business, such as Betty White and Ed Wynn. She even appeared on the tonight show with Jack Paar.
Barbara, being naturally athletic, was a competitive swimmer as well- as a skilled and avid tennis player. She met her husband Camilo Garcia de Castro, who pre-deceased her, over a game of tennis. She was a dedicated and loving wife.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed painting, writing poetry, and spending time with her cats. Her ever-sharp wit came through in something that she called the "letter of the month club." She reveled in keeping the lost art of letter writing alive by exchanging elaborate, farcical, but loving letters with her nephew Richard Poore Jr. each month. Her humor and keen insights left a strong, memorable impression on everyone she came in contact with.
Left behind are her brother, Richard Poore, his wife Marjorie, and their three children; Deborah Bogart and her husband Steve, Jonathan Poore and his wife Sharon, Cynthia Wallick and George Wallick. She also leaves behind beloved nephew, Jose Luis de Cunca Orbegoso and cousins, Margie Goodwin and Bobby Shannon.
ARRANGEMENTS: There will be a private gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (online at www.mspca.org) or Hospice of the North Shore Inc., 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester.
Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
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