Barbara Wilkins Dyke, 71, of Claremont, NH, passed away on July 2nd at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Barbara was born on May 16th, 1953, to Howard and Florence Wilkins of Boston, Massachusetts. Barbara graduated from Reading High School in 1971, and went on to earn a Bachelors in Nursing at University of New Hampshire. After graduation she got her first job working in Pediatrics at Mary Hitchcock Hospital, kickstarting a nearly 30-year career in healthcare.
As a child, she spent her summer months on Lake Morey. Her parents had a cottage there and Barbara spent many happy years swimming, waterskiing, and forming lifelong friendships.
Barbara married James Robert Dyke of Orford, NH, where they made a home and went on to have 2 children, Stefanie Gulick and Cynthia Bemis. There she began her career as the Orford School Nurse. She loved the students and her colleagues and felt so fortunate to be there for her daughters through High School. Barbara was very involved with the school through the years. She was an advisor for the class of ’95; an Odyssey of the Mind coach, and encouraged the music teacher to weave The Beatles into the school concerts. She made so many treasured memories and friendships from her years at the school that lasted a lifetime.
After spending 15 years in her 2nd career at King Arthur Flour she finally retired and spent her time enjoying life with her partner Steve; gardening, watching NASCAR, and hosting their annual 4th of July extravaganza. When she wasn’t home, she spent time traveling with her daughters and grandchildren to York Beach, Boston, Celtics games, and Disney…her favorite place on earth. She loved her family so much and fought hard to stay with us as long she could, living life to the fullest, knowing each day was a blessing.
Barbara was the source of strength and love for her family. Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2016, and in 2018 with MBC, she never let that define how she lived. She was a true inspiration to us all, and provided unconditional support to all those who fought this battle alongside her and continue to fight today. She truly encompassed the lyrics, All you need is Love, and encouraged everyone she met to live by them.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents Howard and Florence Wilkins, sister Beverly Wilkins, and son-in-law Jordan Price Bemis. She is survived by her long-time partner Steven Walker, daughters Cynthia Bemis; Stefanie Gulick and her husband Shaun Gulick, grandchildren Liam Brooks, Ruth Brooks and Caleb Gulick, and a large extended family who loved her dearly.
