(MyKeeneNow) – Barbara Jean (Pickering) White, 78, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene surrounded by her family.

She was born in Bellows Falls, Vt., May 27, 1946, daughter of Marjorie (Jennison) and Jesse Pickering. She graduated from Walpole High School, class of 1964. Barbara also attended college at Champlain College and Plymouth State College.

She married James Bissell on Dec. 10, 1966, On June 8, 1996, Barbara remarried and exchanged vows with the love of her life, Edward N. White Jr.. They had a simple service at the Marlow United Methodist Church celebrated by their family and friends.

Barbara had a passion for helping others and worked multiple jobs over her broad career. Early on, she started working at Peerless Insurance Company and after a few other jobs ended up teaching pre-school at the little red schoolhouse in Marlow. After taking some time off to raise her family and babysit other neighborhood children, she went back to work in human resources for WKS, Inc. Barbara’s love for children finally led her to work in early childhood development and she spent the final decade of her career employed at the Keene Day Care Center.

Alongside her work life, Barbara loved spending time with her family, participating in church and community activities and watching the New England Sports teams, especially the Celtics. When not busy baking for family and community events, Barbara enjoyed gardening, quilting, hiking, reading, dancing, and playing cards. She would never pass up an opportunity to take a trip to Aaron’s Specialty to meet with friends for a bite to eat or an ice cream. Barbara was an active member at the United Methodist Church in Marlow where she was the Treasurer, member of the choir, and active with the Marlow Women’s Fellowship.

She is survived by her husband, Edward “Bucky” White of Marlow; her children, Matthew Bissell and wife, Kyoko of Pensacola, FL, Mark Bissell and wife, Lisa Bolduc-Bissell of Richmond, Vt., Rebecca Auger and husband, Andrew of West Chesterfield, and Hailey Mackey of Westmoreland.

She is also survived by her siblings, Austin Pickering and wife, Sandy of Walpole, and Judy LaFountain and husband, Joe of Keene, along with 10 grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, her three siblings, Russell Pickering, Nancy Ramsey, Joan Swett, and her infant son, Peter Bissell.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave., Keene.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. at the Marlow United Methodist Church, 11 Church St., Marlow. Burial will follow at the Marlow Village Cemetery, Church Street, Marlow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Marlow United Methodist Church in Barbara’s name.

The Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel of Keene is entrusted with Barbara’s care. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.