Barbara D. (Wilson) Daunheimer

With great sadness and reflection, we announce the passing of Barbara D. Daunheimer of Newburyport, MA. She passed peacefully with her family and friends by her side at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, after a 2-year hard-fought and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Daunheimer, and loving mother of Craig E. Daunheimer of Oamaru, New Zealand, Sheri L. Daunheimer of Newburyport, MA, and the late Kristen B. Daunheimer-Buckley of  Somerville, MA. She is also survived by her dear sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Philip Hoyt of Lunenburg, MA, her son-in-law Matthew Buckley of Somerville, MA, her daughter-in-law Mathea Daunheimer of Oamaru, New Zealand, and her two grandchildren, Susanna Wilson Buckley and Kurt T. Daunheimer. Her survivors also include her sister-in-law, Dorothy Scruton of Chicopee, MA; her nephew and niece, Daniel Scruton and Gayle Booth of Palmer, MA; and her niece, Diane Pisko of Sunderland, MA. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Norman and Winifred Wilson; her husband, Edward J. Daunheimer; and her daughter, Kristen B. Daunheimer-Buckley.

Born and raised in Nantucket, MA, Barbara went on to graduate from high school at Northfield School for Girls, Gill, MA in 1963 and Wheaton College, Norton, MA in 1967. After graduation, she married her beloved Edward. Shortly thereafter, she and Ed started their family, and in 1979, settled in Newburyport, MA.

Barbara was a dedicated educator. After working briefly as a French teacher and raising her young children, she taught Special Education at Newburyport High School, and then English, first at Rupert A. Nock Middle School and then for many years at Triton Regional High School. She always fought for her students’ well-being and was well loved by her colleagues and her many students, with whom she enjoyed remaining in touch over the years to listen, advise, and share her hopes for their futures.

After retiring from teaching, Barbara enjoyed her time with Ed, going on to care for him vigilantly until his passing in 2009. Barbara was also an enthusiastic member of The YWCA of Greater Newburyport, where she enjoyed pool exercise classes, and made many cherished friends. She was also very active at her church, All Saints Episcopal Church, in West Newbury. She was very happy to serve as Church Warden for many years, and was always there to comfort and support her church family. 

Barbara loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending as many of Susie’s varied athletic events and choral performances as possible. She also enjoyed spending time with Kurt in New Zealand, making certain to be a part of his life -- even from the other side of the world. Of course a proud mother to Craig, Kristen, and Sheri, she was also very proud of the fine lady and gentleman her granddaughter and grandson grew up to be. Cherished by many, her memory will live on through the many lives she touched in all aspects of her life. She will be greatly missed by family members, students, colleagues, and friends. 

Visiting hours will be held at Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM her Funeral Service will be held at 11.00 AM, August 6, 2024 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 893 Main Street, West Newbury, MA. followed by burial at Belleville Cemetery in Newburyport.

In memory of Barbara, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, which performs cancer research in an effort to help find a cure.

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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