Barbara Moquin Credit: Courtesy Barbara Moquin, age 90, of Shelburne, Vt., passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt. Barbara was born on March 26, 1935, to Andrew Nichols and Alida Mildred Buckley. Afterward, Alida remarried to Jay Bu ckley, who was always kind to Barbara. Barbara’s siblings were her half-sisters, Wallita and Beulah Davis. At a young age, one of Barbara’s teachers noticed she was losing her eyesight. With great courage and love, her mother made the difficult decision to send her to the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, Mass., where Barbara lived during the school year and returned home only for holidays, traveling by train from Essex. She thrived at Perkins, was well liked by her peers and became a house leader before graduating. After returning to Vermont, Barbara met the love of her life, Norman Moquin, whom she married on October 3, 1959. Together, they built a life in Burlington near Norman’s business, Moquin’s Bakery, before settling in Shelburne on land gifted by Barbara’s parents, next to the family farm. This home became Barbara’s lifelong sanctuary. Barbara and Norman adopted their son, Christopher, when he was very young. Tragedy struck when Norman passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while Christopher was only 16. Despite this profound loss, Barbara remained steadfastly independent. Rather than relying on government assistance due to her blindness, she believed she was capable of working and did so with pride. She was employed as a secretary at Simpson, Brown, Pastore and Zais, later continuing with Pastore Financial Group, where she remained a loyal and dedicated employee well into her mid-eighties. Later in life, Barbara endured another serious hardship when she was struck by a passing car while retrieving her mail, sustaining injuries that caused lifelong pain. True to her nature, she rarely complained and would take only an occasional aspirin when the pain became severe. Barbara was blessed with her beloved grandson, Christopher, whom she cherished deeply. She traveled independently, often flying alone to North Carolina to spend Christmas with her family. Sadly, while visiting during the holidays, Barbara suffered the devastating loss of her son, Christopher, who passed away unexpectedly. Even through such immense grief, Barbara often said, “I lived one heck of a good life.” Fiercely independent to the end, Barbara was determined to live on her own until her passing. She shared her life with many dogs over the years, forming especially close bonds with them. Her last and most treasured companion was Stryder, lovingly nicknamed “Honey Pot Pie,” who remained close to her heart until the very end. Barbara was deeply devoted to her faith and her church family at the First Baptist Church of Burlington, where she served on the governing board and helped in any way she could. Her faith was not only something she believed in, but something she lived — through kindness, resilience and unwavering trust in God. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Nichols and Alida Mildred Austin; her husband, Norman Moquin; and her beloved son, Christopher Moquin. She is survived by her grandson, Christopher; her niece, Gail Holmes of Vermont; and extended family and friends who were deeply touched by her strength, humor, faith and enduring love. Barbara will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery, where she will be buried alongside her son Christopher’s ashes and next to her husband, Norman. Funeral service will be on January 16 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, located at 81 St. Paul Street, Burlington, VT 05401. The family of Barbara Moquin extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at UVMMC, the McClure Miller Respite House, and all who provided care, friendship and support throughout her life. Barbara’s life was a testament to courage, faith and perseverance. She inspired everyone who knew her to live fully, love deeply and face life’s challenges with grace. INSPIRE — A Reflection of Barbara’s Life I — Independence: She lived life on her own terms, with strength and dignity. N — Never gave up: Through loss and hardship, she persevered. S — Strong: Her determination knew no boundaries. P — Perseverance: Blindness and loss never defined her limits. I — Inspiring faith: Her devotion to God guided her life. R — Resilience: She met every challenge with courage and grace. E — Enduring love: For her family and all she held dear. The post Obituary: Barbara Moquin, 1935-2025 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less