LITCHFIELD — Barbara J. Longley, 81, died March 11 with her family by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born in Bath on Oct. 4, 1930, a daughter of George V. and Christine Morrison Clough of New Hampshire. Due to sad circumstances, it was necessary to place her for adoption in Bath; at nine months old she was adopted by the late Judge Arthur J. Dunton and Madelyn Clifford Dunton. She attended schools in Bath and graduated from Morse High School in 1948.

On Nov. 27, 1948, she married Walter L. Longley. They lived in Bath most of their lives, but for the past three years they lived in the home they built in Litchfield. She was employed by Sears Roebuck and Co. for 28 years, retiring in December 1992.

She dedicated her whole life to her family and always brought joy to everyone she met. She was a singer by trade and people loved to listen to her angelic voice. Her calendar was always filled with requests for her to sing at funerals, weddings, church and social events.

Longley was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bath, West Bath Grange, Genesta Chapter #73 O.E.S. and a past member of Sage Swingers. She enjoyed her many friends and the Shrine activities she attended with Walter.

She was predeceased by her sister, Janice Blair of New Hampshire, and adopted sister, Madelyn D. Whitaker.

Longley is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Walter; four daughters, Gail A. Colpas and her husband, Don, of Claremont, N.H., Kathy Villemuer of Virginia; Sue E. Dentico and her husband, Robert, of Wiscasset and Madelyn J. Longley and her partner, Douglas I. Phinney, of Topsham; son Walter A. Longley and his wife, Christine, of Litchfield; brothers Richard Clough and Robert Clough; 13 grandchildren, Rick and Scott Sabalewski, Scott, Gary and Allen Colpas, Larry, Chad and Ian Oxton, Jason Longley, Michelle and Michael Dentico, Danielle Phinney, John Hewitt and their spouses; many great- and great-grea- grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Shriners Hospital for Children-Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield, 615 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Visiting hours were held on March 15 at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 16 at the funeral home with Rev. Walter Wakeman officiating. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Brunswick. Burial will take place at a later date.

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