Barbara H. Rollins

HOLDEN- Barbara H. Rollins, 78 passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Barbara was born in Haverhill, on September 2, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Bolex and Helen (Winter) Lesiczka.

Barbara was born and raised in Haverhill and graduated from St. James High School in 1960. She graduated from Merrimack College in 1964 and met her husband Peter during her senior year while completing medical technologist training at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. After a two-year courtship they married in 1966, living in Shrewsbury; they later moved to Holden in 1971 to raise their three children. Barbara worked as a medical technologist at Saint Vincent Hospital from 1964 until her retirement in 2012. Barbara and Peter spent much of their time together tending to their home vegetable garden and visiting agricultural fairs throughout New England, especially the Fryeburg Fair.

Barbara’s early years were influenced by the Lesiczka family farm in Haverhill. She was used to being around dairy cows and vegetable gardens and developed her “green thumb” for growing flowers. There were many happy experiences growing up with her sisters Betty and Lorraine, including family trips to Canobie Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Hampton Beach.

Barbara loved spending time at the beach, especially annual family outings to Plum Island. She was proud of her Polish heritage and spent many years researching the family’s genealogy. Other interests included reading books about U.S. history and spending countless hours tending to her gardens. More recently she was known for her creative flower arrangements. She especially loved holiday gatherings surrounded by family, including her five grandchildren. Most of all Barbara’s Catholic faith guided her throughout her life. Her home was always open to anyone willing to stop by for a visit to enjoy her famous cooking, and some friendly socializing.

She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Peter A. Rollins of Holden; her son James Rollins and his wife Nancy of Rutland; her daughters Andrea Zwisler and her husband Jeffrey of Monson and Lynanne Schweighofer and her husband Peter of Culpeper, VA; her sisters Betty Lee and Lorraine Woidyla, both of Haverhill; her sister-in-law Betty Anne Degon of Holden; and grandchildren Matthew and Luke Rollins, Bo and Lila Zwisler, and David Schweighofer. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. She will especially be missed by her best friend Terry Fegreus.
The family is grateful for the care Barbara received from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital team of Dr. Clark, Dr. Lin, nurse practitioner Karen Quinn, and her infusion nurse Kate. Their extraordinary care gave Barbara several quality years to spend with her family including watching her grandchildren grow. The family also wishes to sincerely thank JHC Hospice for the wonderful care and support given.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara's family from 9:00 to 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 21, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street Holden, followed by a procession to St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Barbara will be laid to rest at Grove Cemetery, Holden.

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center ( https://giving.massgeneral.org/cancer/donate/ ) or Saint Mary’s Church.

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