Born: Sept. 23, 1954
Windsor, Vermont
Died: Jan. 26, 2026
Burlington, Vermont
Details of services
Please join us on Feb. 7, 2026, in honoring Barbara. There will be a Memorial Service at Cabot Funeral Home from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a gathering at Norman Williams Public Library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. An online viewing of the service will be made available through https://www.cabotfh.com.
Donations in her memory can be made to Toys for Tots, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the CVOEO Warmth Support Program.
Barbara, lovingly known as Barbara Jean, was adamant that she would live to be over 90 with the fiery willpower that one would need to be successful at this goal. It comes at no surprise to her loved ones that only a sudden heart attack on Jan. 26, 2026, would have the ultimate force to hinder her from her playful objective, giving her no opportunity to put up a valiant fight. You see, Barbara has had a tenacious and adventurous spirit since she could walk.
She was born the fourth child on Sept. 23, 1954, to beloved Gladys E. (Randall) and Frederick S. Mayhew. Throughout childhood, Barbara independently explored nearby lush forests that enriched her curious imagination or escaped to a sanctuary of stories at Norman Williams Public Library. This sparked her delight for immersing herself in nature and books throughout her life. Growing up she did not let societal expectations restrict her, a trait you find in all of the most marvelous people. She often came home in dirt-stained clothes from riding horses, quests in the forests, and nurturing stray animals.
She attended Woodstock Union High School, where her creativity blossomed through music and theater, until graduating in 1973. Even as a young teen, Barbara’s warmth, kindness, and compassion left an indelible imprint on her classmates. She had an exceptional ability to empathize and understand the complexities of the lived experience. This led Barbara to her passion in the healthcare field. Her comforting nature did not go unnoticed. As a unit secretary at the pediatric department at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, she treasured the opportunity to help soothe the babies to sleep.
Once she put her mind to something, she was an unstoppable force. At this point in life, Barbara decided to further her education and attended Trinity College, graduating magna cum laude in 1983. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. She went onto complete the masters program through Adelphi University School of Social Work in 1984. Barbara’s commitment for community mental health care led her to devoting her life as a licensed clinical social worker at Howard Center for approximately 38 years. Her gentle, accepting, thoughtful, and supportive disposition not only created peaceful moments for her clients and colleagues but to all who had the lovely privilege to know her.
She often saw herself as a contrast from birth. She held a quiet introspective presence but she could also command the room. She contributed significantly in her union. She was a steadfast leader at Howard Center, devotedly advocating, mentoring, and serving her community until the very end. It was her life’s purpose. She had this remarkable peaceful presence, yet she’d race you in a snowmobile on an ice track. This fascinating duel nature about her, in addition to her offbeat sense of humor, truly made her one of a kind.
Above all this, her proudest accomplishment in life was becoming a mother. Her daughter, Eva, was her greatest joy.
Barbara’s selfless unconditional love for her family and friends was immensely felt. Even in the absence of Barbara’s physical presence, the power of her infinite love will transcend time. Her adoration for the Nubble Lighthouse and the icy dark waters of the Atlantic Ocean seems only fitting as she was a guiding light for so many. May we lead by Barbara’s example in the undervalued strength of choosing kindness, listening, and connecting with one another in more meaningful ways.
Barbara wholeheartedly agreed that “All of life’s riddles are answered in the movies.” Through film we can reflect upon life’s monumental questions and perhaps learn through our human experience that we are intrinsically united together. We are all living stories and Barbara’s one was spectacular.
She is survived by her daughter Eva Belatski, her siblings Doreen A. Patterson (Michael), Randall F. Mayhew (Mary), Kenneth C. Mayhew, and Harold W. Mayhew (Marjorie), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick S. Mayhew and Gladys E. Mayhew and her sister Marguerite Popple.
