Barbara H. Brooks, 78, of Southbury, went to be with our Lord on January 1, 2020.  Born in Bridgeport on September 5, 1941, she was the daughter of Peter and Helen Malash who both predeceased her, Helen within the last year, and the sister of MaryJane (Malash) Schumann of Hickory, NC.

Barbara was the most loving, caring and giving wife, mother and person on the planet, especially to her husband Richard, to whom she was married for 58 wonderful years.  She had three children of which she adored: Ricky who now lives in Roseboom, NY with his girlfriend Kim, Robin and her husband Jeff of Southbury and Lisa and her husband Howie of Southbury.  She was also the most wonderful grandmother to her five grandchildren:  Ryan Smith, his wife Stephanie and their precious daughter Peyton whom she couldn't get enough of; to Taryn Smith ; Jacob Parsell, Kaylee Parsell and Kyle Parsell all of whom she loved so much.

Barbara loved life and her family while here and lived it to the fullest, traveling with Richard all over the U.S.  She loved to fly and thoroughly enjoyed the helicopter ride they bought for her 50th birthday, she still talked about it like it was yesterday.  She was also very active in her community, joining 2 different bowling leagues, bocce teams, platform tennis, and even games like Mahjong and Rummikub, and couldn't wait to teach her family. She took a few art classes and was so proud of her creations.  She absolutely loved her Sunday's, first by going to her church, the Cavalry Chapel in Southbury and hearing Pastor John's sermons and the wonderful music they played, followed by her weekly family visits where she would either play tabletop games like Racko, Rummikub, Yahtzee on rainy days and either backyard games or taking the grandkids to the pool on nice days.

Barbara was such an amazing woman who was loved and cherished by everyone who was lucky enough to meet her.  When she was younger, she owned her own hairdressing salon called Barbara's Beauty Boutique where she made so many friends, including one of her best friends Donna, who came to work for her and soon became part of the family, and both she and Richard a part of theirs.  Barbara was saddened when she needed to close the beauty shop while fighting and eventually winning her first bout with cancer in 1993.  She went on to fight and beat it several more times and even going 12 years cancer free, always having tremendous faith and optimism.  She helped so many people through hard times with her faith, praying for and with anyone who needed to whether it was on the phone, at home or in the supermarket, she was always there for everyone.  She always said that when she got to heaven, she couldn't wait to thank God for all her blessings.  She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her, but especially by her husband and family.

At Barbara's request, she was cremated through Munson-Lovetere funeral home and no services will be held.  Contributions may be made in her name to: Cavalry Chapel: 444 Main St. North, Southbury, CT 06488 or Seymour Pink: 3 Franklin St Seymour, CT 06483. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.