Barbara Mary (Peterson) Edkins, 88, of North Reading, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children and granddaughter on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Barbara was predeceased  by her loving husband, Robert (Bob) J. Edkins, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage.  She is survived by her son, Robert P. Edkins; her daughters, Andrea M. (Edkins) Merabet, and Laurel A. Edkins and Michael W. Spring; her granddaughter, Stephanie M. Merabet; sister, Dr. Astrid O. Peterson, and her daughter, Brigitta E. Peterson; her brother-in-law, Sten H. af Klinteberg; and many nieces and nephews.  She was the loving sister of the late Lila (Peterson) af Klinteberg and Jean (Peterson) Chambers.

Born on September 28, 1930, Barbara was the eldest of four daughters born to Fredrik and Elna (Matson) Peterson.  She was raised and educated in Malden, Massachusetts, graduating from Malden HS in 1948, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.  Barbara was also involved in Rainbow Girls and served as Worthy Advisor for the Malden Assembly.  After high school, Barbara attended the Jackson Von Ladau School of Fashion Design, specializing in women’s fashion.  After 2 years of art school, Barbara was offered an opportunity to join the executive training program at Jordan Marsh’s fashion center, which she loved and where she excelled.  Among her many responsibilities, she helped organize and produce fashions shows.

Barbara married Bob Edkins on September 10, 1955, having met him years prior at the youth group of the Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden, MA.  They lived in Malden as newlyweds and gave birth to their first child, Andrea.  In November 1958, they moved to their home on Pomeroy Road, when the street was first being developed.  In fact, theirs was one of the first homes built.

After having her daughter, Laurel, and son, Robert, and taking time at home to raise her family, Barbara took on a new challenge and started her own Mary Kay business in November 1971.  She mentored her team of women and earned the position of an Independent Mary Kay Sales Director in July 1974.  Barbara earned the use of 4 career cars over her 30 years as a sales director.  In fact, Barbara was the 1^st director to earn the use of the Pink Buick Regal in the state of Massachusetts.  She loved enriching women’s lives through the Mary Kay career opportunity and continued to mentor Mary Kay consultants in her retirement, after having her business for a total of 42 years.  She enjoyed opportunities to travel with her business, sharing wonderful memories and many laughs with her husband & MK friends.  Trips to Acapulco & New Orleans were among her favorites.

While raising her children, Barbara was involved in Campfire Girls.  She served as a Blue Bird, and later a Campfire leader for her daughter, Laurel.  She held weekly meetings for the girls, participated in the annual Russell Stover candy sales, and even took the girls camping at Harold Parker State forest.  Other special memories include annual trips to Maine each summer to visit family and vacations with extended family at the UKTS camp in Pembroke, MA.  Barbara also enjoyed April school vacation car trips with her family, first to Washington, DC, and in later years to Williamsburg, VA; Chapel Hill, NC, and finally Florida.

Barbara especially loved Florida, where she wintered with her husband, Bob, for many years during his retirement.  She enjoyed when her children, granddaughter, sister, Lila, and nieces were able to visit and escape the New England winters.

Barbara had unwavering love and commitment to her family, including her sisters and their children.  She enjoyed the many holidays spent together and was known as the family pie maker.  Barbara made delicious apple & mince pies every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and in later years apprenticed her granddaughter, Stephanie, to carry on the tradition.  Barbara enjoyed playing competitive games of Scrabble, especially with her sisters!  Later in life, she also took an interest in playing dominos and had an incredible record of winning.

Barbara was involved in the League of Women Voters in the early ‘60s and continued to actively follow and discuss politics until the end.  While she was always delighted to hear from her family and friends, they knew better than to call while she was watching her favorite political commentator, Rachel Maddow.

Barbara was gifted in her people skills and knew how to encourage and motivate those she encountered.  She treasured her many friendships and kept in touch with school friends, in addition to the youth group friends (now calling themselves the “Golden Oldies”) where she met Bob.  Barbara was courageous and was not afraid to try new things or to drive practically anywhere.  She was a kind person, a perpetual optimist and always saw the best in everyone.  Barbara had a deep and quiet faith that was displayed in actions, not just words.  She was always gracious and diplomatic when challenges arose.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, on Thursday, June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.  A funeral service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, on Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to: The Mary Kay Foundation (dedicated to eliminating cancers affecting women & fighting domestic violence)  www.marykayfoundation.org or by mail to: The Mary Kay Foundation, P.O.Box 799044, Dallas, TX 75379-9044 or to the charity of your choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com