Barbara J. (Roberts) Dresser

Barbara J. (Roberts) Dresser passed away peacefully at the Port Healthcare Center in Newburyport on October 19, 2024, one day shy of her 85th birthday. 

Barbara was born at home, in the South End of Newburyport, to Irene Roberts. She graduated from Newburyport High School in 1957 and was married to John P. “Whiskey” Dresser in 1961, a marriage as wonderful as the world has seen. She proudly lived her whole life in Newburyport area, where she raised her two boys, John Jr. and Stephen. Barbara was a huge sports fan, especially if the games involved one of her sons, never missing a game from B League to Varsity. She was also in the stands when Whiskey was coaching Little League to make sure she could let him know how he did after the game.

While raising her sons, Barbara worked for the Newburyport School System as a teacher’s aide to Special Needs children at the Kelly School and the Nock Middle School.  She was very proud of her participation at the founding of The Opportunity Workshop, now Opportunity Works, and touched and was touched by many with Special Needs in this stage of her life.

Budget cuts from Proposition 2 1/2 led to a change of careers and Barbara became a teller at the Newburyport Bank at the age of 41.  A diligent worker, she eventually rose through the ranks to become Vice Treasurer.  Her career at the bank spanned more than two decades where she made many life-long friends, whom will all be remembered fondly by her family.

Some of her fondest memories were spent along the boardwalk with family and friends. Barbara also enjoyed traveling with Whiskey, particularly to Las Vegas and Foxwoods.

After retirement she loved to spend time with her grandchildren, Pearson, Jillian, Emily, Zachary, Stephanie and Alison for whom she always had a smile and a word of encouragement and a task that needed to be done. She loved enjoying the natural beauty of the Northeast with them, taking them on trips to Salisbury Beach and North Conway New Hampshire.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, John Pearson Dresser, Sr., her mother Irene Roberts and her Stepfather Ray Gagnon.  She was also predeceased by her sisters, Beverly Seaman and Janet DesRoches.  Janet and Barbara remained best friends until Janet’s passing in 2021.

She is survived by her sons John Jr. and his partner Pamelah Stevens of Sun City Center, Florida and Stephen and his wife Jennifer of Plymouth, MA and by her grandchildren, John Pearson Dresser III, Emily Tighe and her husband Patrick, Zachary Dresser, Jillian Dresser, Stephanie Dresser and Alison Dresser. She is also survived by her dear friend Roberta Dixon, who was there for her from elementary school until Barbara’s passing.

The family will hold a private burial ceremony. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Dresser’s family with her arrangements.

A celebration for friends and family will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Opportunity Works, 10 Opportunity Way, Newburyport, MA 01950.

To offer online condolences and check for service updates please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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