Filled her life with curiosity, learning and adventure
WAKEFIELD — Barbara (Breed) Day, a longtime Wakefield resident passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 16 surrounded by her loving family. She was 92.
Born in Lynn on February 23, 1933, Barbara was the daughter of the late Lester B. Breed and Beatrice A. (Archambeault) Breed. She was raised and educated in Lynn before graduating from Winslow Secretarial School in Beverly. Barbara took great pride in her professional career, beginning in Boston at Dean C. Wolf, later working at William J. Hill & Co. in Wakefield and ultimately retiring at age 65 from Howard Jappe Co. in Wakefield.
On June 25, 1956, Barbara married Ronald Day and together they made their home in Wakefield where they raised two children. Barbara filled her life with curiosity, learning and adventure. She never shied away from a challenge and constantly sought out new experiences whether as a car enthusiast, HAM radio operator, scuba diver or flying with her husband in his Home Built planes. She also dedicated her time to local organizations ranging from Navy-Marine Corp MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) to serving as secretary and active member of the Wakefield League of Women Voters and the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra.
Barbara’s passion for automobiles was lifelong. Her beloved 1953 MG TD was her pride and joy and she was an active member of several car clubs including the Sports Car Club of America, the Four Cylinder Club, the Quannapowitt Sports Car Association, the New England MG “T” Register and the Boston Area MG Car Club. She enjoyed countless car shows, rallies and even served as a flag person and corner worker at SCCA races.
Always on the move, Barbara embraced new adventures and loved sharing them with her family. Summers were spent camping at Lakeside Pines in Bridgton, ME and occasionally in Watkins Glen, NY for the Grand Prix races.
She was kind, compassionate and endlessly self-reliant, yet her warmth and soft touch endeared her to many. With a love of learning and an indomitable spirit, Barbara approached life with courage, curiosity and joy leaving behind an inspiring legacy that will be treasured always.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Ronald I. Day with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Ronellen Gagnon and her husband Eric; and the late Laurence E. Day. Cherished grandmother of Danielle Gagnon. Treasured aunt of Cathy Verry, Doreen Starkey, Lianne Edmunds, David Doyle and Tracey Doyle.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Barbara’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, August 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. and for her funeral service at the Melrose Church of the Nazarene, 2 Short St., Melrose on Thursday, August 21 at 10 a.m. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.