PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Barbara A. Allen, 80, died peacefully Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by her family.  

She was born in Pittsfield on Jan. 12, 1941, the daughter of Mary Ethier Bontell and Louis W. Bontell.  She grew up in Lenox Dale and graduated from Lenox High School, Class of 1958.  Following her graduation, she worked for the Office of Naval Intelligence in Philadelphia, Penn.  She worked for the Grand Union Supermarket for 24 years in Pittsfield and Williamstown.

After those stores closed, she went to work in the Pittsfield Public Schools as a Paraprofessional, retiring in 2002. 

Central to Barbara's life was her family.  She is survived by her two daughters with whom she was very close, Gena Sherman, husband Timothy Sherman, and Michele Buckingham.  She made a lasting impact on each of her six grandchildren: Kisti Ornellas, Kristal Trimble, step-grandson Nick Sherman, Amanda Buckingham, Brandy Buckingham, and GJ Dowland. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren who she delighted in spending time with.

She was a communicant of St. Mark's Church in Pittsfield for many years.

She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings: Patricia McHugh, Joan Belville, and Clement "Skip" Bontell.

SERVICES:  Calling hours at Roche Funeral Home in Lenox will be from 9:30 am to 11 am on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. The celebration of her life service will follow from 11:00 am to noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.