Marlborough – Barbara E. (Straw) Somerville, 88, died Saturday evening, Sept. 28, 2013 after a short period of failing health. She was the wife of the late William Somerville, who died in 1968. She was born in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Stanley and Blanche (Potter) Straw and lived there most of her life.
She attended Marlborough schools and graduated from Marlborough High School, class of 1942, as class valedictorian and member of the National Honor Society. She then attended Worcester State Teachers College, graduating in 1946 and eventually became qualified as a medical technologist.
Mrs. Somerville taught in the Lunenburg and? Marlborough public school systems.? While in Marlborough, she taught at the Hildreth and Bigelow schools. She also taught medical lab work in a hospital school in Richmond, Virginia, where she lived with her family for a short time.
She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Marlborough, where she was active in the Women's Fellowship and sang in the choir for over 50 years.? She was also a member of the Mizpah chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years, and served two terms as Worthy Matron. She also sang in the Southborough Senior Singers.
She is survived by two daughters, Holly Sateriale of Holden and Emily Curran of California; one sister, Marjory Carpenter of Hudson; two grandchildren, Brittany and Ryan Curran of California; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Janice O’Leary.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m., in the First Congregational Church of Marlborough, 37 High St. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery in Southborough. Visiting hours at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 – 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund of the First Congregational Church, 37 High St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
