Barbara B. Metsack

Barbara B. Metsack, 83, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Paul M. Metsack (Pudgie). She was born on October 26, 1941 in Willimantic, CT daughter of the late Albert R. and Maggie (Cushman) Benjamin.

Barbara is survived by her two sons and their wives, Paul and Beata (Toth) and Stephen and Gail (DaRos), six grandchildren, Caitlyn, Gavin, Austen, Nathan, Tyler and Cameron, and many nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she supported all of their achievements.

Barbara is also survived by brother Albert R. “Tom” Benjamin, Jr. of Willington, CT and predeceased by brother Charles E. Benjamin of Alaska and sister Mae L. Scotta of Tolland, Connecticut.

Barbara was a proud and humble public servant for 44 years. She began as the Town Selectman’s Secretary, moved to the Assistant Town Clerk position and then was elected as Ashford Town Clerk and remained in that position for 33 years. She was endorsed by both parties for Town Clerk. She also served as Judge of Probate from 1979-1990. Barbara was the first and only Ashford Town Historian, serving in that position until her death.

In addition to her public service, she volunteered for many positions, including as a Cub Scout Den Mother, an honorary member and treasurer of the Ashford Historical Society, member and treasurer of the Ashford Citizen, served on the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, the CT Town Clerk’s Association, as an active member of the 275th and 300th Ashford Town Committees, the new Town Hall Building Committee, the 250th Anniversary of America committee, and the Power Squadron.

She was an avid birdwatcher, gardener, crafter, quilter, and genealogist. She loved to travel. Barbara especially enjoyed a trip to Alaska to visit her brother, and to England and Scotland to explore her heritage. Some of her happiest times were spent with family and friends camping and fishing offshore in Rhode Island. Her grandchildren’s fondest memories of her include collecting seashells on the beach, reading, making crafts and projects, riding on the golfcart and boat rides.

The family will welcome visitors at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT, on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately after the visitation at Woodward Cemetery, Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to AVFD, P.O. Box 1, Ashford, CT 06278. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.Potterfuneralhome.com