Barbara A. (Stewart) Josephson

Cumberland – Barbara Ann (Stewart) Josephson, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on July 5, 2017.  She was the beloved wife of Perry H. Josephson.  Perry and Barbara were married in October of 1963 at Four Corners Community Chapel.

Barbara was the loving daughter of the late Robert W. and Esther E. (Dunn) Stewart.  The daughter of an American League Umpire, Barbara was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox.  Growing up in North Smithfield, she was a graduate of Burrillville High School.  She was a graduate of Rhode Island College, where she earned a B.A. and M.Ed. in Education.

Barbara loved people, and her professional career centered on supporting and advocating for people within the community.  Originally a teacher in the North Smithfield and Cumberland School Systems, Barbara continued as a social worker at Health Services, Inc., Woonsocket, educating the public on health issues.  She served as the Director of Public Aid for the Town of Cumberland, and as the Director of Senior Services for the City of Woonsocket.  As the Director of Senior Services, Barbara was instrumental in developing and growing the meal site program in support of other senior citizens centers throughout Northern Rhode Island.  Following her retirement, Barbara remained active by volunteering in a program to educate candidates in the process of naturalization.

With her husband, she was a member of Four Corners Community Chapel for fifty-three years.  In 1965, Barbara established the church’s nursery school, which continues today as a thriving childcare center, providing a safe and educational environment for children.  In addition, Barbara served as an active member on several church advisory boards.  She was a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Woonsocket; a board member of the Woonsocket YWCA; and President of the Junior Women’s Club of Pawtucket.

Barbara loved music and singing, and was a member of her church choir in her youth and the choir at Four Corners Chapel, and as a member of the Cumberland-Lincoln Community Chorus.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two children, Erik H. Josephson, and his wife Carolyn, of Jericho, Vermont, and Heidi A. Josephson of Cumberland; two grandsons, Taylor H. Josephson of Essex, Vermont and Ethan S. Josephson of Everett, Washington; and nieces and nephews.  She was the sister of the late Robert A. Stewart. 

A Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held Monday, July 10, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. in Four Corners Community Chapel, 200 Angell Road, Cumberland.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, R.I. 02904 would be appreciated.