Barbara Filion

The world lost a peace activist, nature lover, and community supporter when Barbara Filion, age 82, died peacefully on March 28, 2024, in Vermont, with the help of Medical Aid in Dying. Barb was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. In her own words, “I was born in a hospital in Germany during WW ll, amid bombs flying, and grew up in a war-torn country before emigrating to the United States in 1973.”

Barb had a long relationship with cancer, her most recent diagnosis coming 14 years ago. She was grateful to see her two grandchildren born, Felix, 14, and Max, 10, and to watch them grow as she participated in their lives. 

Her greatest love was for those in her life: her children Marsha and Kai; her grandchildren; her son-in-law James; her two sisters still living in Germany, Uta and Ros; and her many wonderful friends. Barb was amazed at the deep friendships she built after moving to the States. Her friends became family to her, and she to them. She was immensely grateful for all their love, help, dedication, and compassion over many years. 

She found great joy in helping others, both in her work at UNH as a pre-med advisor, and as a tutor for the Newmarket schools. However, her true calling in life came when she started working for hospice after first reading about hospice pioneer Elizabeth Kubler Ross, and then meeting a young girl whose dying mother was on hospice care. She worked in hospice for 11 years, bringing comfort to countless patients and their families at the end of life. Upon retirement, she became a valued hospice volunteer.

Barb was an avid traveler whose adventures shaped her beliefs about peace, equality, and justice. She lived in Germany before moving to the United States, where she eventually settled in Newmarket, NH, and raised her family. She was an active volunteer for the Newmarket schools, including the PTA, a Junior High track coach, and a tutor for students studying for the TOEFL exam. After moving to Portsmouth, Barb participated in the Sunday Peace Vigils in Market Square for more than 12 years, was a longtime volunteer at the Portsmouth Music Hall, sang with Con Tutti, danced to African drumming, volunteered annually when the Tall Ships came to Portsmouth, was a 20-year member of a book group, participated in many marches and peace rallies, and was an active member of the Portsmouth Senior Center. She was a patron of the arts who always enjoyed Art Around Town where she saw many friends and sipped wine at the galleries! She was also physically active well into her 80s: she ran road races, swam, biked, hiked, cross-country skied, and played soccer, tennis, badminton, and basketball with her children and grandchildren. 

Nature was a healing source for Barb. She spent hours at the beach collecting rocks and sea glass, and even in the coldest weather enjoyed swimming in the ocean. As an artist, she loved painting trees, flowers, and the seaside, and her beautiful works grace the homes of her family and friends. 

Barb is survived by her children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She wants us all to remember that we are all one world regardless of nationality, political beliefs, religion, or race.

Donations can be made in Barb’s memory to Hospice Help Foundation, Cornerstone Hospice, who provided care to her at the end of life, and Patient Choices in Vermont, the organization that made it possible for Barb to die peacefully and according to her wishes.

Barb’s memorial service will take place at the beach on June 9, 2024.