Barbara Jane (Pulaski) Roscoe

WORCESTER - Barbara J. (Pulaski) Roscoe, 81, of Worcester, died peacefully surrounded by family at Knollwood Nursing Center on Monday, April 25, 2016. She leaves her daughters, Claudia Roscoe Nash and her husband, Craig of Millbury, Jennifer Roscoe of Watertown; her grandsons, Adam and Zachary Nash; her sister, Darlene Jenny of Bradenton, Florida; her brother, Robert Pulaski of Newark Valley, New York; and many nieces and nephews. Barbara is predeceased by her mother, Anna Rabideau; her sister, Loretta Nicholas; and brother, William Pulaski.   Barbara was born in Preston, New York, but grew up in Pittsfield, MA. Attending Pittsfield High, she kept busy in the art club and was proud to be the lead drum majorette. After graduation in 1952, she worked at Pittsfield’s General Electric Co. in various early-technology positions. Being young and athletic, she easily excelled in skating, swimming, hunting, fishing, and dancing. Never missing a Saturday night dance at the Polish hall, Barbara met the love of her life, Jack there. They married in 1957 until his passing in 2014. Due to Jack’s professional advancements, the family moved often. They made their homes in Adams, Northampton, Millbury, and finally establishing the homestead in Southbridge. In 1980, Barbara turned her passion for art into a career and opened a home studio to teach art classes. An accomplished and recognized professional artist, she showed her talent in various esteemed art shows along the New England coastline. She was a founding member and great supporter of the Quinebog Valley Council for the Arts, in Southbridge. After retirement, Barbara enjoyed living summers in Wells, Maine and winters in Sarasota, Florida and continued to paint the rocky New England shores and exhibit in Maine galleries. She always found cultural events to attend for Sunday outings with Jack. They traveled the US in their RV experiencing roadside diners and visiting extended family. In her later years, she continued with her art by growing the Briarwood Art Gallery. She interviewed new artists and hosted many art exhibit receptions. Barbara was always so involved with her family and friends, old and new. She loved her girls so much, and especially enjoyed watching her grandsons grow. She loved to cook, crochet, garden and win at Scrabble. All who knew her, loved her strength, resilience and sense of humor.