Barbara Frances (Irving) Sauermann, born July 1, 1936, went peacefully to Heaven on Feb 18, 2021, after a valiant battle with dementia. She was the daughter of Reginald and Isabelle (Bonnett) Irving and younger sister of Elizabeth (Bette).
Raised in Oxford, she attended public school and graduated from Seymour High in 1954. Her middle school years were spent in Surrey, Albert Co, New Brunswick, where her father was born and raised.
She attended Stone School of Business and worked at Farrell Corporation briefly, before meeting and marrying Frank Sauermann, in 1958. They made their home in Seymour.
Barbara was a member of Seymour Methodist Church, where she served as Treasurer during the reconstruction of the sanctuary, after a fire. She was a past organist and choir director at Derby Methodist Church, the secretary and bookkeeper of Derby Day Care Center for thirty years and a Girl Scout leader, in Seymour, for over ten years. Barbara taught a weekly Bible class in her home for over 30 years. She taught a teenage Sunday School class and led Bible study for the singing group, Reflections. Her hobbies were birdwatching, painting, cycling, and gardening. Many people came to walk through her stunning rose garden every June. She was an excellent grandmother, who was always available to spend time with and encourage her grandsons. She was also always ready to take them on a fun adventure!
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, sister, husband, and two of her nephews, Sandy and Carl Burress. She is survived by daughter, Sylvia Aulenti, her husband Frank, and their sons Frank V. and Gabriel Aulenti; daughter, Amanda Mayes, her husband Jonathan, and their sons, Tristan and D’Artagnan Mayes and their fiancées, Jacqueline and Summer, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends Thomas and Karen George, and Linda Beaton.
Barbara’s family would like to thank the caregivers at The Villa, in Southbury, who loved her and cared for her so beautifully. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 2pm in Seymour United Methodist Church, 90 Pearl St., Seymour, CT 06483. Donations in Barbara’s name can be made to the Seymour United Methodist Church.