(MyKeeneNow) – Barbara Anne (Blanchard) Rettberg, 71, of Keene and formerly of Hinsdale and of Alaska, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Alpine Healthcare Center in Keene. She passed peacefully with the love of family near. Barbara was born in Keene, Nov. 4, 1952, the daughter of the late Marjorie (Turner) and James Blanchard. She was educated locally at Keene Highschool and graduated with the class of 1970.

She worked as a live in nurse for GSIL and grew very close to her patient, regarding him as family. She worked with GSIL for more than 10 years, retiring in 2014.

Barbara loved all kinds of puzzles, especially Sudoku and crosswords. She loved coffee and snacking on lays potato chips. She was an avid reader and had an affinity for the mystical sci-fi fantasy genre, especially dragons and gemstones. One of her favorite movies was Eragon.

One of Barbara’s favorite past times was having sleepovers with her grandchildren in her cabin on Wilson Pond filled with movies, fun and lots of junk food! She also met with her grandkids weekly at Dunkin’ Donuts for treats and a hang out when they got older. She was very involved in her daughter and grandchildren’s lives. They were her world.

Ms. Rettberg is survived by her grandchildren, Kayla and Carlos Mota, Korie Webber and her fiancé Derek Robbins, Kiera Webber and her fiancé Jamie Lukasiewicz, Kristopher Webber and Jami-Leigh Webber; and her son-in-law, David Webber. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Bernard, Wyatt, Mayalecia and Marilys.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, Marjorie and James Blanchard; her brothers, Jimmy, Gregory and Richard Blanchard; and her daughter, Tricia Webber.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey  (www.cheshirefamilyfh.com)