Obituary: Carol (Hough) Barber
October 29,1944 – January 22, 2026
January 27, 2026
Carol was born to Richard J. Hough and Norma Camley on October 29, 1944, at Stewart Field Air Base in New York State. She lived in many homes until the age of 9, when she went to live with her father and stepmother, Ruth Smith Hough, in Waterbury, Vermont.
Carol worked many jobs during her school years, from fifth grade through high school, babysitting and waitressing. She graduated from Waterbury High School in 1963. After graduation, she worked as a waitress at Eddie’s Restaurant, Norm’s Restaurant, and The Steak House in Waterbury. From late 1963 through early 1965, she worked as a waitress at the Windsor Diner, a job she loved.
In early April 1965, she met a gentleman named George E. Barber, and by the end of that same month, they were announcing their engagement. They were married three months later, on July 24, 1965, and went on to have three children, Lazelle May, Marie Elaine, and Jason Robert. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July 2025.
After their marriage, they moved back to Waterbury, where Carol worked for the State of Vermont at the Vermont State Hospital in the ward office. During her 30 years of service with the state, she also worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Welfare Department. She retired in 2001.
Carol is survived by her husband of 60 years, George E. Barber of Waterbury; her loving children, Lazelle and husband Warren Davey of Waterbury Center, Marie and her husband Christian Pratt of Williamstown, and Jason Barber and partner Crystal Courtemanche of Lebanon, New Hampshire; six grandchildren, Courtney and husband Allen Avery of Williamstown, Kyle Barber and partner Tiffany Moses of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Laurel Davey and partner David Rapoza of Marshfield, Parker Davey of Waterbury Center, Spencer Pratt and Fletcher Pratt, both of Williamstown; two great-grandchildren, Lucille (Luci) Barber and Colton Avery; two brothers, Garry Hough and wife Debbie of Waterbury Center, and Frank Garillo of Mendon; two sisters, Sandra Hough of Waterbury, and Wendy and husband Aaron Magee of Moretown. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Carol is predeceased by her parents, one brother, Harley Hough, and two sisters, Nancy Hough Burnell and Nancy Robinson.
The family offers many thanks to the staff in the ICU at Central Vermont Medical Center for all the wonderful care and support they offered. Special thanks are given to Raelyn Blanch, RN, and her coworkers for throwing a very special anniversary celebration in the hospital chapel, allowing Carol and George to renew their vows. We also thank Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for their loving care through the last stages of Carol’s life.
In honoring Carol’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of her life will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or online at stjude.org.
The A.W. Rich Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Share online condolences and memories at awrfh.com.