CHELSEA, VT — Barbara (Seaman) Rochat, 82, of Chelsea, VT died peacefully at home on September 3, 2019 after a brief illness.
The daughter of Clinton and Olive Seaman, Barbara was born on May 21, 1937 in Orange, NJ, graduating from Westfield HS in 1955 and Goucher College (MD) in 1959. She married David Rochat in 1961, and they remained best friends throughout their nearly 58 year marriage.
Barbara and David lived in Plainfield, NJ for the first 20 years of their married life, raising four daughters: Laura, Julie, Nancy, and Diane. While in NJ, Barbara was an active volunteer in several organizations and an engaged and active parent.
In 1980, Barbara and Dave began (what they termed) “Act II” of their lives, moving to Chelsea, VT with the intentions of embracing the simplicity of rural living. In 1982, Barbara received a Montadale Ewe and her two Ewe lambs for her birthday, and this gift initiated a 37 year run of sheep husbandry and care.
Barbara was a woman of tremendous energy, intellect and varied interests. She was an EMT with First Branch Ambulance for 17 years, a Guardian AD Litum, and tutor. She delivered Meals-on-Wheels for local seniors, and was a foster parent for several years. She also served on the board of directors of Gifford Hospital for nearly 12 years, and was elected secretary of the board in 2014. Barbara was an animal lover, an avid and excellent gardener and lover of God’s creation and everything outdoors. She faithfully attended Barre Evangelical Free Church for 25 years.
Barbara leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Katie, Ben, Nick, and Anna Jickling; Rory, Calvin, Austin, Matt and Holly McEathron; Will, Sam and Joe Morris, and Quinn and Olivia Wise.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Barbara will be held at the United Church of Chelsea on Saturday, September 21 at 2:00pm with a reception at the town hall to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Barre Evangelical Free Church, C/O the Missions Committee, P.O. Box 277, Barre, VT 05641.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements.