Barbara E. (Devoie) Amsden

Obituary
Barbara Elsie (DeVoie) Amsden entered into eternal rest Wednesday, November 24th surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in West Springfield on July 8, 1937 to the late Bertha (Grady) DeVoie and Robert DeVoie Sr. She lived in West Springfield for most of her life. Barbara was the manager at the West Springfield High School lunch program for 35 years, and she founded the Open Pantry of West Springfield in the early 1970’s. The Open Pantry was later moved to the police substation on Main Street, where Captain Jay Lane and Officer Michael Vezzola were stationed. This is where beautiful friendships were created.  Barbara was devoted to community outreach programs. She was a member and coordinator of the Crop Walk and the West Springfield Parish Association. Barbara took great pride in raising money through a walk for miles program to raise funds for the Crop Walk.  Barbara also started The Thanksgiving Dinner back in 1981, which is now called the Philip Coburn Thanksgiving Dinner. Barbara was the recipient of many awards: The Paul Harris Award, The Rotary Club for Highest Honors, the West Springfield Parade Committee, and the Big E “Host of the Day,” to name a few. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, as well as attending services at the Bethany Assembly of God.  Barbara leaves behind the love of her life of 67 years, Robert (Chick) Amsden.  She also leaves behind her loving daughter, Sandra Sayward, and her husband Jack of Becket, MA, loving sons Robert Amsden Jr. and his wife Lori, and Michael Amsden and his wife Christie, all of West Springfield. She also leaves her adopted son Richard Whitebear of Garrison, North Dakota. Barbara had 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren that she adored: Jason Sayward, his wife Robin, their children, Jagger, Malyn, and Jase; Jennifer Eggleston her husband Roy, their children, Rebecca, Chase, and Meadow; Christine Amsden and her son Gabriel; Trina Amsden and her companion Matt; and Hannah, Paige, and Maxwell Amsden. Barbara also leaves behind a loving sister, Patricia Lover, a loving brother, Alan DeVoie, and his wife Lynn. Barbara had many nieces and nephews. Bob Gentiles is also a beloved friend and nephew. Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Robert DeVoie Jr. and sister Elizabeth DeVoie, as well as her dear cherished friend Officer Michael Vezzola.  Calling Hours will be held Tuesday, November 30th 3-6pm at the TOOMEY O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. Funeral Services will be held at 9:30am on Wednesday, December 1st at Bethany Assembly of God, located at 580 Main St, Agawam, MA and followed by a burial at The Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery at 1390 Main Street in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Assembly of God C/O Pastor Ken Milton or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.


To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Barbara E. (DeVoie) Amsden, please visit our floral store.