Barbara M. (Lowe) Thomas Speed

In Loving Memory of

Barbara M.Lowe Thomas Speed

February 9, 1927 – September 19, 2024

Barbara Mae( Lowe) Thomas Speed , 97, of Fitchburg passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024. A lifelong resident of Fitchburg, she was born to Nellie Mae Wiswell Lowe Newcombe and Forrest Augusta Lowe on February 9, 1927. Barbara married John Trevenen Thomas in 1948 and Gordon J Speed in 1980 and was a survivor of both.

She leaves behind her children Scott, John Randall and Jason Thomas and her daughters in law Sheila Mitchell Thomas, Marcy Evans Thomas and Sandra Chalifoux Thomas; Grandchildren Sean, Shane, Shannon and Ian Thomas; Justin Stenuis; their spouses, nine great grandchildren and is predeceased by Courtney Stenuis. Additionally, she leaves her stepchildren Gary Speed, Mary Maki Boisclair and Robert Speed, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and is predeceased by her stepdaughters Patricia Kallagher and Nancy Casavoy. She will also be fondly remembered by her longtime friend of 90 years “Betty” Whitney.

Barbara was a member of Fitchburg High Schools Class of 1945 and went on to enter the workforce after high school. Barbara was a Data Specialist and Administrative Assistant at the General Electric Steam Turbine Plant in Fitchburg for 41 years, retiring in 1986.

Barbara was an active member in the community, as she worked the voting polls and assisted elderly driving them to their appointments. She was also a long time parishioner of Christ Episcopal Church in Fitchburg, donating time and energy to their church bulletin and always there to help as needed.

In her free time, you could find her knitting, traveling, collecting postcards and flea marketing to add to her impressive collection of colored glass which brightened her world and socializing with friends and family. But, her real joy came when she had time to dote on her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She was the happiest in these times visiting, walking, playing games and making puzzles with them.

What many do not know about Barbara is she played basketball and volleyball in high school, participated in the drama club and interestingly enough she was the founder, director and only member of the FHS Broadcasting System in 1945. Barbara was driven to start new initiatives, but more importantly was in it for the long haul, exemplified by her long time commitment to the class of 1945. In 1995 they donated $16,200, the largest gift given to FHS at that time. All of her Historical Keepsakes will be donated to the Fitchburg High School Alumni Association.

Barbara’s quote in the FHS Boulder “1945” was taken from Shakespeare’s “Keeping of Bees”.

“As full of happiness, as a hive is full of bees.”

Barbara had a very full hive as she lived a very full life….

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 16, 2024 at Christ Church Fitchburg, 569 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA  01420 at 11 AM. A private burial at Forest Hill Cemetery will be held after her service. If you plan to attend, you should meet at the church prior to the service time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the  Alumni Association of FHS Inc P.O Box 906, Fitchburg MA 01420 to which she dedicated endless time and energy.