Barbara H. Stratton

Barbara “Bobbie” Stratton (nee Hopkins) passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the age of 95 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. Born on September 27th, 1929, in Montclair, New Jersey, she grew up in Caldwell, NJ, and graduated from Endicott College. Bobbie was the middle child between her two beloved brothers, Richmond and Alden. Her parents were the late Harold Richmond and Ruth (nee Browning) Hopkins.

On December 15th, 1951, Bobbie married the love of her life, John Edward Stratton. They shared 41 years of marriage and raised four children together residing in Westport, CT, then Sudbury, MA, before settling in Bedford, NH in 1977. John passed away in 1993. 

Bobbie is survived by her children: James Stratton of Bedford, NH, Tom (Marty) Stratton of Willsboro, NY, and Pamela Stratton of Manchester, NH. She leaves her six grandchildren: Amanda (Andrew) Kirk of Beverly, MA; Andrew (Jane) Stratton of Deerfield, NH; Rebecca (Daniel) Draper of Wenham, MA; Elizabeth (Frank) Ritter of Bow, NH; Nikki (Jeff) Wonders of Indian Lake, NY; Emily (Brian) Schilling of Beverly, MA. Her 12 wonderful great-grandchildren called her “Nana.” In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Richmond and Alden, her beloved "daughter-in-love," Ruth Stratton in 2015, and her daughter, Katherine Hopkins Stratton in 2018. She also leaves her sisters-in-law Barbara and Helen Hopkins, many nieces and nephews, and her lifelong friend Cynthia Blair. Bobbie was a longtime member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church and was committed to her faith.

Bobbie was known for her love of her family, especially her great grandchildren. “Nana” gladly read books, played games, and talked with them about their activities and education. Bobbie also loved to vacation by the water, and spent childhood summers on Fire Island, NY where she sailed and was a champion at tennis. As adults with small children, Bobbie and John built a cherished family retreat, “Camp” on Lake Champlain in NY where the family continues to enjoy boating, swimming and beautiful sunsets. In later years, Bobbie and John retired to the gulf coast of Florida at Anna Maria Island during the winter, and welcomed friends and family for visits. Bobbie lived out the family motto “Happy Days” as she enabled cherished memories. 

She always had a sparkle in her eyes, generosity toward others, and a love for New England, especially the sports teams. She lived for many years at RiverWoods- Manchester. Her family is grateful for the extraordinary care she received there. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 8, 2025 at 2pm at the Bedford Presbyterian Church.