| Barbara Stone, 72, of Dayville Connecticut, died on December 27th at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence, Rhode Island. She died of Leukemia. Barbara was proud to tell friends and relatives that nursing was always her ambition, even as a child. Born, Barbara Herlinger, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she grew up in nearby Hamilton, Ohio where she launched the pursuit of her nursing ambition early by volunteering in local hospitals as a high school “candy striper.” Upon graduation from high school, she entered the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, earning her cap with distinction. Marriage brought her to Rhode Island where she served at Rhode Island Hospital. She often said that nursing in an excellent hospital was a strong introduction to the discipline of nursing. Later she brought her skills to the visiting Nurses Association of Rhode Island which allowed her to exercise creativity and independence in nursing. At the peak of her profession, she joined Hospice Care of Rhode Island and became one of this organization’s stellar practitioners. She believed deeply in the spiritual and moral underpinnings of hospice. Overtaken by leukemia, she spent her final days in the care of her old agency, proudly telling friends and relatives that she “had many friends there” As usual, on matters relating to nursing, she was right.
When not practicing her profession, Barbara found activities, which kept her in the out-of-doors regardless of season. She was a superlative gardener, an energetic wilderness hiker and backpacker, a strong cross-county skier and a graceful canoeist. She sought out wilderness experiences in New England and beyond, adventuring in seven Canadian provinces, in Southwestern deserts, and the Rockies. Barbara is survived by her husband, Milburn Stone, of Dayville, her brothers David Herlinger of Katy, Texas and John Herlinger of Germantown, Ohio, and her sister, Peggy Wilson of Sevierville, Tennessee. Her children are Jennifer Pisano, of Sterling, Connecticut, and Jason Miller of Dayville. Her stepsons, Joseph Stone and Jesse Stone reside in Rutherford, New Jersey and Canterbury, Connecticut, respectively. Those wishing to honor Barbara’s life and career are urged to contribute to Hospice Care of Rhode Island or Day Kimball’s Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern, Connecticut. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial Guest book please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. |
Deborah Mertens
Sue Reichert and Deborah Mertens (Reichert) sending
prayers for the family
JIM HERLINGER
I had not seen Barb in many years, but I remember how kind and sweet she was. She always had a smile and a soft voice. My prayers are for her family, Dave, Peggy and John and their families. I know that she will be missed by all that knew her.
Mary Herlinger Beavers
Barb was my Godmother. I can remember as a child always calling her my “fairy Godmother “. She always got a chuckle from that. I remember her being such a kind lady to me. My prayers are with her family at this time.
Duke and Donna Morsbach
So sorry to hear about Barb. Prayers to her family
Rhonda Agramonte Lifespan Lab
My sincere condolences to Barbara’s family. I will miss our talks when you were getting labs done. You had such a peaceful presence and such clarity going through your journey. I will miss you and your hugs. You managed to comfort me talking about my mother, who I lost to Hospice as you’re going through your own issues. It states so much the person you are Barbara, selfless and truly a kind spirited person, that I had the pleasure of meeting. Rest in peace