Barbara Thompson (Fraser)

Barbara Thompson (Fraser) 86, of Tucson, AZ (formerly of Hanover, NH) passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, on what would have been her 64th wedding anniversary.

She was born on June 13, 1938, in Providence, RI, the eldest daughter of James and Virginia (Eddy) Fraser. After high school she earned an associate's degree from Westbrook College in Portland, ME. Upon graduation she moved to Hanover, NH to complete her training at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital.

 it was in this small college town where she met her husband Benjamin Thompson Jr. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage, raising four children in Hanover. Barbara worked for many years in the lab at MHMH and then DHMC. She was an active member of the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, UCC. serving on several boards. After Benjamin's passing in 2009, Barbara moved to Tucson, AZ where two of their children live. 

While in Tucson, Barbara volunteered with a number of local charities, was active in her church, and involved in her book club for years. She made many new friends who she enjoyed spending time with. She was an avid sports fan, watching and cheering on her favorite teams and loved to gaze out at "her" mountains. 

Barbara's family was her pride and joy. She was always ready to listen and offer advice and support. She had very special relationships with each of her grandchildren, and they all looked up to her. No on gave better hugs than Grandma.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Benjamin Thompson, Jr., loving mother of Susan Butchness and her partner Steve Townsend of Glenview, IL, Lauri Forte and her husband Craig of Tucson, AZ, William Thompson and his wife Stephanie of Winchester, MA, and David Thompson of Tucson, AZ. Cherished grandmother to Adam Butchness, Regan Butchness, Michael Forte, William Forte, Lydia Thompson, Holly Thompson, and Brooke Thompson. She is also survived by a sister, Kathleen Robinson of Temecula, CA, and a brother, Scott (Nancy) Fraser of North Scituate, RI, as well as several nieces and nephew.

Contributions in her honor may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona www.communityfoodbank.org or the American Lung Association www.lung.org. 

Burial is set for later this year at Pine Knoll Cemetery in Hanover, NH.