Barbara Gaspar passed away on October 2, at the Exeter Hospital in Exeter, NH, with her loving family around her. Born in August 1930, she was the daughter of Howard L. Kent and Anna Bottari Kent.
She is survived by her daughters, Ann Prest of Rowley, and Terry Prest Stubbs; and son-in-law Thomas Stubbs of Hampton Falls, NH, a family friend of 50 years, Elizabeth Clogston; brothers-in-law, Val Prest and wife (Wendy) and Arthur Prest and wife (Carole) both of Groton, MA and who loved her dearly. Also, stepson David Gaspar & wife (Jodi) of Surry Maine; and his 2 children (Jennifer and Michael; her grandsons, Christopher Stubbs & wife (Tanya) and Peter Stubbs & wife (Laura), Daniel Gaspar & wife (Christine); 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; a brother Donald Kent and his family; and sister, Marlene Kent Norton and her family. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard (Dicky) Kent (2023). She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews plus close friends that she made during her lifetime.
Barbara married Edward Prest in 1949, and they had daughters, Ann and Terry. Edward passed away in 1977. In 1982 she married Allan Gaspar who passed away in 2019.
In the 1950’s Barbara and Edward started Prest Marine Service, a boat repair company. By the 1960’s the company had become Prest Marine Campers. She served as company bookkeeper and salesperson. They sold the business in 1973. Barbara joined Rowley Grange in 1946 and was a 78-year member of the organization. She served as Home and Community Service Chairwoman for several years and was Secretary for 58 years. She and Edward received several State and National Grange awards for their work in the Rowley community and for the work of Rowley Grange. She was the adult leader of Rowley Junior Grange for several years. She wasinstrumental in many community service projects that Rowley Grange participated in. Most notable was the search for a Doctor and Dentist to come to Rowley and the collection of S&H Green stamps to fund the purchase of a fire truck for the Rowley Volunteer Fire Department, working with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department.
With her husband Allan, they kept active in Grange and travelled in Europe, and throughout the U.S.A. They both were volunteers at the Topsfield Fair for many years. She loved the Topsfield Fair and Blue Hill Fairs and won many awards for her homemade blueberry pies. Barbara will surely be missed by all those she loved and who loved her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 175 Main Street, Rowley.
Please no flowers, all memorial donations may be made to Rowley Grange, c/o Elizabeth Clogston, Secretary, 836 Haverhill St. Rowley, MA 01969 or Shriners Children’s Hospitals of Massachusetts in memory of Barbara Gaspar.
Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home of Rowley.
