Barbara Mae Andeen Deubert, 95, of Higganum, died February 24, 2025, in her home, in her bed. Her family was with her every moment.

Barbara was married for 60 years to Henry George Deubert, who passed in 2009. Barbara lived a full life. Her five daughters and her sons-in-law really loved her: Lynn and Frank Caparaso, Lee Deubert Bria, Lorette and Louis Nosal, Darcy and Greg Ward, and Dana and Howard Blythe.

Barbara was also a joyful grandmother of eight – Alyssa Hurley (and husband Jim), Jake Caparaso, William Bria, James Bria, Steven Nosal and Olivia Nosal, Katelyn Holloway (and husband Paul) and Ryan Darna (and wife Danielle). Barbara also has six beautiful great-grandchildren.

Born in Higganum in an upstairs bedroom in 1930 on March17, Barbara worked in a local bank. All her life she was a learner — smart, well-read, curious, a great conversationalist and a straightforward philosopher. She met her husband Henry on the Higganum Reservoir and they married in 1949. They were in love and stayed in love throughout their marriage. They raised five daughters as a team. They traveled throughout the country, touring national parks and camping under the stars.

When she lost her husband, Barbara revealed the depth of the steel strength that had gotten her through multiple surgeries and cancer. She moved forward into her changed life determined to enjoy it. Barbara's renaissance was a thrill ride for the people around her. She shared life lessons with no filter, traveled the world, sat in First Class, and rode in hot air balloons. She wielded the fastest flashlight in the East during home fix-it projects. She set off fireworks when it wasn't even a holiday. Barbara had cake for breakfast, coffee at bedtime, and ate as much ice cream as she wanted. And she lit bonfires without permits.

Her brother John Andeen pre-deceased her. Barbara leaves behind her sister and partner in fun and crime Margaret Annino, brother Alan Andeen and his wife Connie, dear friend Mary Baron, and nieces and nephews — and great nieces and nephews — who were part of her life every day.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver Street, Middletown on Friday, March 7, 2025.  Friends may gather at the funeral home prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.  Burial will immediately follow for both Henry (who has been waiting for her) and Barbara at the at the State Veterans' Cemetery.

If you want to send flowers, she loved pink and purple. If you'd rather donate, she was a quietly consistent supporter of our town and gave donations across the board to almost every community service: Our volunteer firefighters, the Higganum Methodist Church, St James, the Congregationalist church, Brainerd Library, the Land Trust…you name it she gave it. Choose one that helps our community and she would have considered that an honor.