Barbara E. Sakaske, 90

LEE, Mass. — Barbara E. Sakaske, 90, of 9 Riverfront Road died Friday morning, March 30, 2018, at Lee Health Care at Laurel Lake.

Born in Westfield on July 24, 1927, the daughter of Charles and Edith Pease Willey, she moved to Chester as a small child where she was educated and married Joseph W. Sakaske in 1948, who passed away in 2005.

Mrs. Sakaske was a homemaker who took great care in raising her five sons and years later, in helping to care for her grandchildren. Barbara’s family was the heart and soul of her life and she cherished every moment spent with them. 

Besides rooting for her beloved Red Sox, Barbara was an avid fan of her sons’ sporting events.

Barbara is survived by her brothers, Bobby and Shirley Willey of Becket, Eddie and Claire Willey of Westfield, and Bruce and Wendie Willey of Easthampton; five sons, Wayne and Corinne Sakaske of Celebration, Florida, Ricky and Helen Sakaske of Atlanta, Georgia, Joel and Donna Sakaske of Chester, Shawn and Tisha Sakaske of Ludlow, and Jan Sakaske of Chester and his significant other, Lori Fieldstad of Agawam; nine grandchildren, including her granddaughter, Jolene Sakaske, who was her special caregiver; and five great-grandchildren. Additionally, Barbara leaves behind her lifelong companion and sister-in-law, Margaret Sakaske.

Funeral notice: Respecting Barbara’s wishes, funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make a donation in Barbara’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.