Barbara Marie Palicki-Kent

Barabara Palicki-Kent, age 89, of Contoocook, NH, passed away peacefully, with her sister, Christine, by her side on July 14, 2025 at Forestview Manor Assisted Living in Meredith, NH. Barbara was born in Toledo, OH on November 1, 1935 to Walter and Mary (Mruk) Palicki.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her dear brother, Walter Palicki Jr., her loving sister, Christine Diver (Peter), special nieces and nephews, Jason and Amanda Kent, Melissa Mull (Daniel Vieyra), Michael Mull and Nick Diver, great nieces, Natalya, Tatyana, Amaya and Reya Vieyra, special cousin, Dolores Wille (Chris), brother-in-law, Michael Kent (Joanne), nephews, John and Allen Dickson and Christopher Kent, nieces, Pamela Kerns DeVries and Samantha Kent Coull and long-time dear friends, Cathy Sidorenko and Nancy Calder. Also mourning her passing, her caregiver and special friend, Sally, who took amazing care of Barbara. She always knew what Barbara would like, a home cooked meal, going for a ride, shopping, doing puzzles or just being together.

Predeceasing Barbara were her parents, her dear sister, Monica Ann Mull, her loving husband and best friend, David G. Kent, sister-in-law, Beverly Kearns, and brothers-in-law, Edward Kent and Ed Kearns and long-time friend, Alex Sidorenko.

Education was always very important to Barbara. She earned her B.Ed. from the former Mary Manse College in Toledo, OH, a Masters Degree in Earth Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters in Mathematics Education from the University of Detroit.

Barbara was a lifelong educator. While in the Midwest, Barbara taught at SS. Peter and Paul School in Sandusky, OH, at St. Aloysius School in Bowling Green, OH, Little Flower School in Toledo, OH, SS. Peter and Paul in Detroit, MI and St. Ladislaus H.S. In Hamtramck, MI. While attending the University of Detroit, Barbara met David Kent. He was the love of her life and after moving to New Hampshire, they married in 1981. In NH, Barbara taught Math and Earth Science at Henniker H.S. and then at John Stark H.S. She was a patient, inspiring and innovative teacher, always exploring methods of reaching each and every student at their level of learning. An early adopter of computers in the classroom, Barbara was the advisor for the Computer Club and for the Math Team, which competed at the state level. Together, she and David composed contest questions for the NH high school math competition leagues. She also presented workshops for the New Hampshire Mathematics Teachers Association. Barbara loved teaching and during her 40+ years as an educator, she touched many students lives. One student, in particular, remained in contact with her until her passing. Even after retiring from the classroom, she continued tutoring students who needed extra help.
Barbara and David loved to travel. They traveled throughout the United States, to Canada and twice to Ireland. They even traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan to see their niece, Amanda, graduate from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy. In 1974, Barbara traveled with a group of students to Poland, while it was still under Communist rule. It was an experience she never forgot. It was tradition for Barbara and David to visit Ogunquit, Maine every spring and Cape Cod every fall. In summer and at Christmas, they traveled to visit family in both Ohio and Canada.

Barbara's many creative talents were evident in her beautiful calligraphy, her zentangle designs, her scrapbooking, crafts and in her amazing Origami creations. She collected over 200 books on Origami and created hundreds of different Origami pieces. She even incorporated Origami folding into her math classes! Gardening, cooking, collecting geodes, Polish stamps and Polish pottery were among Barbara's many other interests.

Barbara and David's home was always open to family and friends, who spent many summer vacations at their home. They also hosted great parties: brunches, pool parties and BBQs.
Barbara had a genuine interest in people. She made friends wherever she went and kept in touch with them throughout her life. At Forestview Manor, she loved the staff and they loved her. We, the family, are so appreciative of the great care and love that they gave Barbara. The staff is amazing!

Barbara was a very generous person, who selflessly loved her and David's family. She was always interested in what everyone was doing and was very supportive of their endeavors, especially those of her nieces and nephews. If a helping hand was needed, Babara was there. She certainly will be remembered and dearly missed.

"What a wonderful gift Life can be...
Wrapped in the love of family."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa's Church, 158 Old West Hopkinton Rd, Henniker, NH. There will be visitation one hour prior to service. Reception will follow.

Donations can be made in Barbara's memory to St. Theresa Church or to the Lakes Region VNA.

Barbara's family is extremely grateful to the entire staff at Age at Home, especially Debbie, Sally and Renee for their loving care of Barbara and their support of the family. They were always there when we needed them!

Cremation was entrusted to Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home. www.holtwoodburyfh.com