Barbara R. Masse, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida. She was surrounded by love—her dear girlfriends, Nancy and Rebecca, her best friend David, and her devoted daughter Michele and son-in-law Glen were all by her side.

Born on February 26, 1930, in Freeland, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Salvatore and Angeline Roman. At age 12, she and her family moved to Stratford, Connecticut, where they settled on Sikorsky Place.

Barbara graduated from Stratford High School, where she forged life-long friendships, including with Ann (Lisk) Lynch and Ann's cousin Marilyn. It was during her youth that she met her future husband, Tony, at the iconic Ritz Ballroom at Pleasure Beach. They married on July 9, 1955, at Our Lady of Peace Church in Stratford and began a life together in Bridgeport before settling in Stratford in 1965.

Barbara was deeply rooted in her faith and community. She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament and St. Mark's parishes, where she volunteered in the Ladies Guild, church musicals, school bazaars, and as a room mother. She was a familiar face at school and sports events for her children, always giving her time generously.

Throughout her life, Barbara held a variety of jobs including Kelly Services, Skydels, G. Fox, and People's Bank, from where she eventually retired. Even in retirement, she stayed busy, helping a friend manage a gift shop in Meriden, CT, an opportunity she relished for the chance to meet people and keep social. Barbara's favorite role by far was being "Grams" to her cherished grandson, Andrew. She considered raising him one of her life's greatest joys.

Barbara had an adventurous spirit and a deep love of travel. With her late friend Jean Iodice, her travel companion and partner-in-crime, they explored the world, often joking "have suitcase, will travel." From Italy and Germany to Las Vegas and Disney, Barbara was always ready for the next adventure. She also treasured time spent in her hometowns of Nuremberg and Freeland, PA, reconnecting with cousins and reliving memories.

Summers were sacred to Barbara, especially beach days at Pleasure Beach and Long Beach in Stratford. Sundays were family time, spent at the beach grilling, swimming, and enjoying the sun and sea, often ending the day with a ride on Cousin Freddy Lesnick's boat.

In her later years, Barbara relocated to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and continue her vibrant lifestyle. She lived in Polo Park and later Savannah Court Assisted Living, where she was affectionately known as "Grandma" and never missed a chance to play cards, dance, host a party, or make someone smile.

Barbara loved life. She filled her days with dancing, baking, playing bingo, watching game shows and soap operas, hosting family dinners, gambling, and simply enjoying time with friends and family.

She is survived by her loving children Michele Masse-Allen  and husband Glen and David Masse and wife Wendy;  her adored grandson Andrew, and her brother Louie. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony J. Masse.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT followed by a special Celebration of Life at Riverview Bistro in Stratford, CT. Her final resting place will be alongside her family in Drums, PA. A  Mass in Freeland, PA will be announced at a later date.

Barbara's legacy of joy, laughter, friendship, and love will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.