Elsie L. Barlow

Elsie L. (Arnold) Barlow gently left her family on Tuesday morning, October 29, 2019, after a short stay at Cedar View Rehab, Methuen, MA.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Leon F. Barlow, son Robert L. Barlow, brother Harold Arnold, and her sister Joan Doherty. Her family members include her son Allan H. Barlow and his wife Roberta of Windham, NH and her daughter Barbara J. Robidoux and her husband Robert J. of Methuen. She was so loved by her grandchildren Amy Kunicki, Eric Barlow, Christopher Barlow, Scott Barlow, Jason Robidoux, Michael Robidoux, and Taylor Robidoux. Elsie was also blessed to witness the birth and growth of six great-grandchildren!

She spent her early years in Lawrence, Glen Brook, Connecticut and Methuen. After her marriage to Leon, they lived and worked at many farms throughout the area, including the Tenney and Searles estates.

Elsie was a trained fashion illustrator and worked for Cherry and Webb.

and Sutherlands of Lawrence providing full page advertisements for local newspapers.

As her family grew, Elsie chose to be a very devoted “stay at home mom”. She began working for the Methuen School Dept. in 1967 and worked her way through many positions at many schools and was promoted to head of the school cafeteria at the then new Comprehensive Grammar School, where she remained until her retirement.

Elsie and Leon enjoyed traveling throughout New England, Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes area. They loved the adventure of travelling on the less traveled roads throughout small towns and villages.

Her love of fashion design and illustration naturally led Elsie to become an accomplished seamstress. She designed and customized wedding gowns, prom gowns and other specialty clothing for many, many people.

Elsie had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed her later years, always surrounded by family and friends and feeling very blessed. Nothing made her happier than a hot cup of coffee and a light hearted conversation.

She had a deep commitment to animal rescue, especially farm animals and exclusively followed Tomten Farm and Sanctuary, Haverhill, New Hampshire where animals find peace, protection and possibility. If you choose to donate, please do so, in her memory, at http://tomtenfarmandsanctuary.networkforgood.com/projects/69432-tf-s-general-fund.

Elsie always said “even the smallest donation helps to feed an animal”.

If you would prefer to donate to the church organ restoration fund please send your donation to the First Church Congregational Organ Restoration Fund, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844.

 Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation on Saturday November 2, 2019 from 10 am to 11 am at The First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 am on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. Arrangements are by the Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, please visit Elsie’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.  

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