Barbara A. Englander

PAXTON/SPENCER - Barbara A. (Dowgielewicz) Englander, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at The Overlook Health & Rehabilitation Center in Charlton. Born in Worcester and raised in Spencer, Barbara was the daughter of the late John and Stasia (Targonska) Dowgielewicz.

Barbara was a very spiritual and devout soul and was most recently a member of St. Columba Parish in Paxton. She taught CCD in various parishes in the Worcester Diocese for over 50 years. Faithfully attended Mass on a daily basis in her working years, and regularly worshipped and socialized with Gary at his Temple Emanuel Sinai
She was a graduate of David Prouty High School in Spencer and Westfield State College where she received a bachelor's degree in education. She later received a master's degree from Worcester State College. Barbara followed her passion for teaching and taught in the elementary school in North Brookfield for 38 years.

Married to Gary Englander, they met on a ski trip in Switzerland. Were married in July of 1981. They spent their time traveling and enjoying family and friends. Always attending every family function.

As a skier, Barbara enjoyed the beauty and challenges of the slopes all over the world and served on the board of the Worcester Ski Club. She also loved her convertibles and times spent at the beach with her family. But mostly she loved people and helping others. She spent a lot of her time in recent years in prayer and crocheting with her friends under the guidance of the Assumption Sisters. Barbara will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and the selfless time she devoted to her family and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 43 years, Gary
Englander; her sister Lucia Provo, her two sisters-in-law Darlene and Ruth Dowgielewicz and all thirteen of her living nieces and nephews, their spouses and their many children and grandchildren. Besides her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her sister Theresa Lampron, brothers Francis and Stanley Dowgielewicz and her niece Kathy Lampron.

Barbara's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire rehabilitation and hospice staff at Overlook for her care during her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara's family from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, November 17, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, November 18, at St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Ave., Paxton. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary/St. Mary's Cemetery in Spencer. Memorial observances will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday, November 19, at Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury St., Worcester, followed by a Minyan Service at 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to one of Barbara's favorite charities: Abby's House, 52 High St., Worcester, MA 01609, St. John's Food for the Poor, 20 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604, Rachel's Table, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609, or Second Chance Animal Services, 111Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515.

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