Kittery, Maine/Northborough – Barbara “Bobby” (Farnsworth) Chisholm passed away peacefully at home in Kittery, Maine, with loving family by her side. She was 99.
Bobby was the devoted wife of 67 years to James “Bill” W. Chisholm Jr. until his death in January 2015.
She is survived by their children, Ann Stirk and her husband Roger of York, Maine, Bill Chisholm III of Grafton, Barbara Chisholm and her husband Ken Ward of Hudson, and David Chisholm and his wife Rose of Worcester; six grandchildren, Tammy Ramsey, Ben Stirk, Scott Stirk and his fiancé Allyce, Erin, Tori, and Zack Chisholm; eight great-grandchildren, Nick, Shawn, Keith, Shyla, Christian, Elias, Ezekiel, and Olivia; and many dear nieces and nephews.
She was born in Hammonton, N.J., the daughter of Custer L. and Zana L. (Pierce) Farnsworth and sister to Nancy Farnsworth Barlow of Medway and the late Lee “Bill” Farnsworth. She graduated from Leominster High prior to studying at Wilfred Academy in Boston. She worked as a hairdresser at the Black and White Beauty Salon in Worcester prior to caring for her family.
Bobby and Bill resided in Northborough for 47 years before retiring to Maine, specifically the Wells and Kittery areas, to be nearer to their family.
Together, Bobby and Bill enjoyed sporting events, attending and supporting three generations of their family’s athletic events. Highlights of their traveling included vacationing in Hawaii for 28 wonderful years and summering for over 30 years in York Beach, Maine with the Barlow family. In the early years, the family vacationed at Lake Waushacum with the Farnsworth family.
Bobby enjoyed tennis, swimming and rooting for her Boston Teams! She was an avid bowler, continuing on the lanes at Sawyer’s Bowladrome well into her 80s. With loving hands she crocheted numerous afghans for her family, cared for her colorful flower beds, and enjoyed perfecting her painting skills. She enjoyed crafts, most especially Creative Memories and Stampin-Up.
While living in Northborough she was an active member of Trinity Church, assisting with numerous activities there. She was a member of the Northborough’s Woman’s and Garden clubs and enjoyed socializing at the Northborough Senior Center. Above all, Bobby’s greatest joy was seeing her family carrying on the tradition gathering and spending quality time and making memories.
A time of visitation will be held Thursday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Bobby’s funeral will immediately follow at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. She will then be laid to rest privately. A separate memorial service will be held in Maine at future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northborough Senior Center, 119 Bearfoot Rd., Northborough, MA 01532.
To share a memory or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
