Eleanor Nichols Barber went to be with Jesus and her beloved husband, Phillip, on August 27, 2011. She had been living at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation this past year, battling the effects of dementia for many years. Eleanor was born at home in Weare, New Hampshire on June 8, 1918. She was the only child of Albert and Ruth (Edwards) Nichols. Eleanor graduated valedictorian from Weare High School in 1936, and went on to attend the University of New Hampshire for 1 and1/2 years and then Concord Business College for 2 years. After graduation, Eleanor worked for Merrimack Farmers Exchange in Concord, N.H. She met the love of her life, Phillip T. Barber, on the train in September and they were married on December 18, 1943. Eleanor became Phillip's part time secretary when he went to work for the Department of Corrections in Montpelier. Eleanor was a member of the Bethany United Church of Christ, the Mother's Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star in both Henniker, NH and Montpelier, VT. She was most proud when Dad and the Sigma Phi Fraternity Alumnae made her an honorary Sigma Phi Sister. Cooking and gardening were Eleanor's forte. She was especially adept at baking pies; particularly apple pies. She often remarked that some of her happiest moments were spent in the early morning out weeding the garden! She was a wonderful homemaker, raising two children and always supporting all her family's endeavors by being present to encourage and cheer them on. She was an avid crossword puzzle worker, a staunch Red Sox fan, and soap watcher. Visits to Duxbury, Mass. and six years of visits with her daughter in Olympia,WA, and trips to Weare to visit family and friends were among her most treasured memories. Her smile was infectious and her kindness will be missed by all who knew her. Predeceasing Eleanor was her loving husband, Phillip T. Barber, on December 8, 1993. Survivors include her daughter Janet Barber Matzelle of Olympia, WA, Dana Nichols Barber and his wife, Cecile, of East Montpelier, VT, two grandchildren, Jennifer Bond and her husband, Mark Gilliam of LA, CA, and Phillip Scott Barber of East Montpelier, as well as a niece, Lucy Robinson, and two nephews, Stephen and Anson Young. A celebration of life will be held at Bethany United Church of Christ on Wednesday, August 31, at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Church of Christ's Music Fund, 115 Main St., Montpelier, 05602. For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit www.barber-lanier.com.