Barbara Ann Whittier

Barbara Ann (Laban) Whittier of Millbury, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026. Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Barbara was born in Worcester, on July 4, 1944, to Joseph and Genevieve Laban. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Kathleen. She leaves her loving spouse of 62 years, Craig Whittier, her children Scott Whittier, Michael Whittier, and Lizabeth (Beth) Weidman, along with her spouse, Benjamin Tipple. She was known as “Gram” by her three grandchildren Nicholas, Katherine, and Abigail. She often proudly admitted that being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys.

After attending St. Mary’s High School, Barbara graduated from the Worcester Art Museum School which was the foundation for her lifelong career in various art mediums. She focused on weaving initially, then explored painting, wall quilts, and dioramas. She was the founder of We Design, a successful graphic design company operating for nearly twenty years. After that, Barbara was employed by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette Art Department until she happily retired in 2009.

She was an avid reader of every genre and was very proud of her extensive book collection. Years ago, she was a member of the Singletary Sailing Association and later enjoyed sailing with Craig in Buzzard’s Bay on their sailboat, Petrushka. Barbara sang in the Millbury Federated Church choir, while also using her artistic talent to create seasonal altar cloths. Annual vacations to Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine, and later Craigville Beach on the Cape helped to make lasting family memories. Eating lobster and collecting shells were another two of her favorite pasttimes.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff at Notre Dame in the Palliative, Long-term Care (all positions), and Hospice departments. The family extends their gratitude to their private aide, Sheila, who continues to support Craig and the family.

Donations in memory of Barbara Whittier can be made to the Worcester Art Museum at: https://6230a.blackbaudhosting.com/6230a/WAM-Fund-Tribute-Gift 

Visitation will be held at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 North Main Street, Millbury, MA on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a graveside service on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at Howard Cemetery, 15 Armsby Road, Sutton, MA.

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for better value and selection.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com