Barbara Sidley passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, at the age of 94. She is survived by her children Karen, Thomas and his wife Jessie, and Ann and her husband Tom, as well as her five grandchildren, Patrick, Melissa, Sam, Sylvia, and Lena.

Barbara grew up in Plymouth, Wisconsin. As a child, she had dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses, and her passion for animals and their care not only was a constant throughout her life, but was passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Barbara studied humanities at the University of Wisconsin, and later attended Harvard Radcliffe Institute where she received her Master's degree in International Relations. She has always been interested in history, particularly that of China. It was during this time that she met her husband, Nathan, and they moved to Connecticut, and then to Lexington, Massachusetts.

Following her graduation, Barbara worked at IBM for a couple of years. Subsequently, she became an elementary school teacher. It was then when she and Nathan started their family. Barbara devoted her time to becoming a full time mother and homemaker, until all three of their children were old and independent enough for her to return to work. After earning a credential to teach math, she landed a job at Billerica High School. Her knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor served the students until her retirement in her sixties.

An avid hiker and skier, Barbara, together with Nathan, joined a rather exclusive club, called the "4,000 ft Club", for those who have climbed all of the mountains in New Hampshire over 4,000 ft. They both continued these sports into their eighties!

In Lexington and rural New Hampshire near the weekend family house, Barbara dedicated herself to conserving wild areas. She was involved in the conservation of wildlife channels and public spaces around town, which continue to be very popular among people seeking to enjoy the flora and fauna of the area. Additionally, she worked passionately to help preserve habitats for indigenous species. Up north, she was a long time member and officer in the Wonalancet Outdoor Club, established to maintain hiking trails and ensure that the beauty of the region did not succumb to over development.

Barbara lived a long and happy life filled with purpose, meaning, and effort to make the world a better place. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

There will be a memorial service held at the Arlington First Parish Unitarian Church on Mass. Ave on Sunday, January 22nd at 1:00 pm.