Mildred Frances Barnum, of Housatonic, died peacefully on February 2, 2021, at the age of 103, at Fairview Commons Nursing Home. Mildred was born to Franklyn Snyder and Bernice Gillett Snyder on June 3, 1917 in Housatonic, Mass. A lifelong resident of Housatonic, she graduated from Searles High School in 1935, and married Bethuel Sherwood Barnum on June 18, 1938 at the Housatonic United Methodist Church. They were blessed with two sons, and she retired from Becton Dickinson in 1981.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 64 years Bethuel Barnum, her brother Russell Snyder and, most recently, her two sons Philip T. Barnum in August 2020 and Bruce Barnum in January 2021.
In 103 years of life, Mildred wore many hats. She was a very active member of the Housatonic Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the United Methodist Women, and a cook and baker for the many bazaars and church suppers. She continued her activities well into her 90s, even after the Housatonic Church merged with the Alford Community Church.
Mildred was a member of The Grange for over 75 years and still driving around town at the age of 96. She was a loving and dedicated wife, who nursed and cared for Bethuel through his battle with Alzheimer’s. She doted on her two sons and kept them well fed with her delicious cooking. Mildred was thrilled to welcome her daughter-in-law Peggy to the family, and even more proud when she was blessed with two grandsons. Up until her death, her biggest joy was spending time with her 11 great-grandchildren, who called her “G.G.”
Mildred had many celebrations throughout her long life. Most recently were her 90th and 100th birthday parties, but the biggest was her 50th wedding anniversary party. She could still wear her wedding dress!
Although Mildred was not the adventurous type, she enjoyed sightseeing trips to Vermont and visiting family in Kentucky. A favorite pastime was driving up to Mount Washington and counting the deer. She had a beautiful personality that made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Because of that, she had many dear friends who enjoyed long conversations on the front porch.
Mildred is survived by her daughter-in-law Peggy of Bowling Green, Ky.; grandsons Stephen (Denise) of Nashville, Tenn. and Michael (Reagan) of Woodburn, Ky.; and 11 great-grandchildren: Berkley, Helen, Harper, Halle, Henry Bethuel, Holly, Ember, Arlee, Otto, Holt, and Harrison. She is also survived by many cousins including Marge Gillett and June Hastedt, both of Housatonic, Jeanne Bachetti of Sheffield, and Bob (Norma) Smith of Sun Lakes, Ariz., who spent many weekends and summers enjoying “Aunt Sis’s” cooking while growing up in West Springfield. She is also survived by her close and trusted friend Jennifer MacArthur of North Bend, Wash.
Arrangements are in the care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home. Due to coronavirus restrictions, a private service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Alford Community Church in her memory. Alford Community Church, c/o Church Treasurer, 26 Townhouse Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family, please visit Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home.
