Barbara J. Ouellette

Mrs. Barbara (VanKleeck) Ouellette, 65, of 22 Tramway Dr., Adams, died from lymphoma on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. She was born in Springfield on January 22, 1947, daughter of the late William and Diane (Kawalec) VanKleeck. She graduated from the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School on Cape Cod, and Westfield State Teachers College. She was a communicant of the Parish of Pope John Paul the Great, Adams. She is survived by her husband, Michael G. Ouellette, whom she married on July 12, 1969; her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jay Sniezek of Adams; her daughter-in-law, Tina Ouellette-Eliadi of Medway, and her three grandchildren, Jack and Henry Sniezek and Lily Anne Ouellette. She also leaves her brother, William VanKleeck of Somers, CT, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her 2 sons, Michael G. Ouellette, Jr., who died on January 26, 1992, and Christopher J. Ouellette who died on July 14, 2004. To all who knew her, Barbara was a source of fun and laughter. She enjoyed travelling, entertaining, cooking, shopping, talking on the phone, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and family. At the time of her death, Barbara was employed by Berkshireworks Career Center in Pittsfield. While her title was GED Instructor/Career Counselor, she was much more than that. Barbara was a life's coach, a mentor, an advocate and a cheerleader. She made a difference in the lives of both her colleagues and clients, yet she remained humble about her contributions that changed the fate of so many. In the 20+ years at Berkshireworks, she was the force that kept people grounded, and her courage through her own personal struggles was an inspiration to all. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 5, at 7:30PM in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Burial will take place on Saturday, October 6, at 11:30AM in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday October 5, from 5:00PM to 7:30PM. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made through the funeral home for the cost of General Educational Development Testing (GED). Checks should be made out to Berkshireworks Career Center. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.apsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara J. Ouellette

January 22, 1947 - October 2, 2012