Obituary
Age 82, Barbara was born on April 29, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts to Vivian (Barry) and Kempton Lunna. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, the late Robert (Bob) Dorsey, with whom she shared many great adventures. Barbara was known to be always smiling, thinking of others, had a great sense of humor, a contagious positive attitude and such beautiful blue eyes that always sparkled. According to Bob, and we all agree, she was truly the “Best of the Best”. Sadly, Barbara passed on January 25, 2024.
Barbara attended North Quincy High School, Quincy, MA. During her senior year her family moved to Keene, NH. She graduated from both Keene High School and then Keene State College in June of 1964 with a Bachelor of Education, excelling in academics and basketball at both institutions. She was a teacher in Waterford, CT and Medway, MA. After marrying Bob, she was a homemaker raising their four children and, after succeeding at this endeavor, Barbara became a successful, and very popular, real estate agent in North Andover, MA. The family were members of Indian Ridge Country Club, where golf and social activities were prevalent, and made many lifelong friends.
In Retirement, Barbara and Bob moved from New England to Ormond Beach, FL, where her parents and Grandmother had lived and, as a child, Barbara used to vacation there. Barbara made countless friends and enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and bunco in their condo. They were members of Oceanside Country Club since 1993 and was a key figure in the women’s 9-hole group for many years. She also enjoyed the social meetings of the numerous local clubs, including a passion of hers, the Garden Club. She loved travel, especially to visit the kids and grandkids.
Barbara leaves behind her daughter Julie and favorite son-in-law Russ, her son Steve and daughter-in-law Michelle, son Mark, and son Greg and daughter-in-law Michelle.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren, a huge joy of hers and Bob’s, Emily and Megan, Jack and Katelyn, and Connor and Dylan, all of whom she was extremely proud of and loved immensely. She also leaves behind her sister, Brenda Axelsen, and children as well as many close family and friends.
We are very grateful to all of the staff at Ormond Manor and the Vitas Hospice team for their compassionate care.
The Dorsey family will be having a private service to celebrate the life of Barbara.