Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Susan G. Barker (Foss), age 90, a longtime resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on October 6, 1935, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Susan was the cherished only daughter of the late William and Doris (Spaulding) Foss. She was raised in Pelham, NH and was a true “Townie” throughout her life. Susan spent her early education in the Pelham Public Schools and went on to graduate from Lowell High School, Class of 1953. Susan pursued her calling in nursing at the Nashua Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, earning her degree in 1956.
Susan began her career as a nurse, where she cared deeply for her patients and their families, always treating them as her own. In 1958, she married Floyd Barker, and in 1961 they settled in Wilmington, where they raised their two children, who were truly the center of her world. A loving and devoted mother, Susan, was actively involved in all aspects of her children’s lives. Fondly remembered as the “rink mom,” she spent countless hours transporting her children and their friends to ice rinks, supporting their figure skating and participation in many ice shows. Susan was a talented seamstress who made many beautiful costumes for the skaters throughout the years.
Susan created a warm and welcoming home, always opening her door to family and friends. She loved to entertain and took great joy in making holidays special. Susan’s table was always full of family and friends; her favorite saying was “if you leave this table hungry it’s your own fault” and she meant it because there was always an abundance of food. She cherished her role as “Grammie” and “Gigi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent together.
After leaving nursing to raise her family, Susan returned to the workforce when her children were older, accepting a position at Charles River Laboratories in Wilmington. She was a dedicated and trusted employee for over 25 years. Following her retirement, Susan continued her lifelong commitment to helping others by volunteering at several nursing homes.
In her spare time, Susan enjoyed reading, cooking, crafting, sewing, and visiting flea markets and yard sales in search of hidden treasures. She was rarely without a camera, capturing countless memories of family and friends. Susan especially looked forward to her many family trips to Disney World, where her favorite character was Winnie the Pooh.
Susan will be fondly remembered as a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. Friendly, kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand, she greeted everyone with her warm smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Susan was the devoted mother of Linda Anderson and her husband Tadd of Tewksbury, and Donald Barker and his husband Douglas Michaud of Methuen. She was the loving “Grammie” of Rebecca Chaves and Ryan Anderson, and cherished “Gigi” to her great-granddaughters Cataleya, Cleo, and the late Cora. She was the dear sister of William Foss and his late wife Doris of Merrimack, New Hampshire; Robert Foss and his wife Helen of Auburn, Maine; and Donald Foss and his wife Eleanor of Pelham, New Hampshire. Susan is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, Massachusetts, on Monday, January 19th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A service celebrating Susan’s life will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 20th, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
Susan’s family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Windsor Place, Care One in Wilmington, and Brighton Hospice for their kindness and the exceptional care that they gave to Susan.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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