Barbara R. Sizoo died May 8, 2017 in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she was being lovingly cared for by the staff at Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua and Home, Health and Hospice Care. She had previously lived in Williamsburg, VA for 39 years. She was born in Houston, Texas to the late William D. and Ethyl Johns Raper and spent much of her childhood in Mississippi. While working at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., she met the love of her life, Joseph M. Sizoo. Their loving marriage of 58 years was a joy to them.
After 5 years of married life, Barbara and Joe moved to Bowie, MD. Here, Barbara enjoyed raising her children, often sewing matching outfits for them and taking them on day trips. In the summer, she enjoyed hosting Sunday afternoon gatherings with homemade, hand-cranked peach ice cream. Upon Joe’s retirement, the family moved to VA.
Barbara was an antique dealer, always looking for a Rembrandt, who found adventure in both buying and selling antiques. Her car stopped at all garage sales. She enjoyed entertaining, talking with friends old and new, and hats. Throughout her life she volunteered to help others in need, and inspired others to do the same. She enjoyed spending summers at her vacation home in Cape Vincent, NY or swapping houses in England. Barbara was a warm, caring woman with a vibrant sense of color, both in her garden and her personal attire, and she shared her zest for life with many.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Joseph M. Sizoo in 2015 and brother-in-law, William M. Sizoo in 2016. She is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Sizoo and husband Richard Chilcoat of Hopewell, NJ and Hilary J. S. and husband Chuck Tyls of Bedford, NH; step-son, J. Richard Sizoo of Santa Barbara, CA; grandchildren Wyatt and Hannah Chilcoat; Cortlund and Addison Tyls; Ashleigh Shue, J. R., Will and Lauren Sizoo; her sister, June Ferguson of Ashburn, VA; and her 4 nieces and nephews and their families.
Barbara will be inurned with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Remembrances may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, P. O. Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141 (ocrfa.org/donate) or The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 (alzfdn.org).
We are so appreciative to every member of the staff and administration at the Bridges for their care, love and deep attentiveness to Barbara. They were her wonderful second family.