Barbara Vars

Barbara McLean Gerhart Vars, 83, formerly of Portsmouth died Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Village House Nursing Home of Newport, RI, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Richard Melvin Vars, with whom she would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this November. Barbara was born August 15, 1929 in Flushing, NY. She was the daughter of the late Richard R Gerhart and the late Elizabeth B Sullivan and step-daughter to the late John Mortimer Sullivan. Barbara's family moved from New York back to her parent's home state of Pennsylvania. When she was ready to enter her teens, her family moved to Newport where they finally settled. She attended Togers High Schooland graduated in 1947. While in high school she worked at a bakery on Broadway. A young man from the FirstNational grocery store would often come in for change and eventually won her heart and her hand in marriage.Barbara became a "stay-at-home mom with the birth of her first son, Richard. Taking care of her children, two more (Thomas and Rebecca) born over the next six years, and her home became the focus of her life. She taught her children manners, respect, and a good work ethic. By example, she taught how to be caring towards others and have good moral values. Although she did not relish the thought of returning to work, she took a job at Raytheon, then Selective Service and finally Naval Undersea Warfare Center, becoming an executive secretary to the technical director. She retired in 1989.At various points in her life, she was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Mosaic Club, Scout leader, taught Sunday school and volunteered at soup kitchens. Barbara also performed and worked alongside her husband in the Lions Club Gaslight fundraisers, as well as many activities. After retirement, she worked as a tour guide for the Newport Preservation Society. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, sewing, crafts gardening, bocce with the Women's League of Newport, and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved nature, especially the birds, the trees and the ocean. She was a communicant of St Mary's Episcopal Church.Barbara had a kind heart and a soft touch, but a constitution of steel. She endured many hardships and health setbacks, but faced each one with her quite determination and courage. Her Battle with Alzheimer's was no different. She stayed independent and positive as long as she could. The family would like to thank the beautiful people who cared for Barbara, first at the Forest Farm day care, and for the last three and a half years at the Village House. She was treated with great love, respect and dignity and given the very best of care, so her family could enjoy their time with her. We are deeply grateful and indebted.She is survived by her husband, Richard Melvin Vars, her sister Elizabeth Trainor of Middletown, RI, her children Richard and his wife Claudia Carlson Vars, Thomas Vars, and Rebecca Vars, all of Portsmouth, RI, her grand children Matthew and Taylor Vars, and Andrew and Emma Chilabato. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Friday September 7, 2012 from 4 pm -8pm at the Conner's Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth RI. The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 9:00 am at the Connors Funeral Home with a funeral service at 10:00 am in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Burial will be in St. Marys Churchyard, Portsmouth on Saturday, September 8 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association- RI chapter, 245 Waterman St suite 306, Providence RI 02906 or the Village House Activities Fund, 70 Harrison Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard 324 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, 02871 Visitation SEP 7. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service SEP 8. 11:00 AM St. Marys Episcopal Church East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871