It is with sadness, and hearts grateful for a lifetime of love, we announce that Barbara Jeanne (MacFarlane) Southworth (known to most as "Bobbie") passed from this life to the next on July 30, 2026, at Margaret Pratt Community in Bradford, Vt. Bobbie was 94 years old. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Shoreham, Vt. to Pearly and Camilla (Tripp) MacFarlane. 

Bobbie moved to Post Mills, Vt with her parents and three sisters (Aletha, Pearl and Rose, all now deceased) when she was 2 years old for her parents to work and maintain the farm owned by her grandparents, William and Emma (Guertin) MacFarlane. She grew up on the farm. When she was 14 years old, she and her parents moved next door to care for her elderly grandparents.

Bobbie met Sumner "Jay" Southworth, the love of her life, while delivering milk to the creamery in West Fairlee with her father. Bobbie and Jay were married on July 1, 1948. They lived in West Fairlee for a brief period and then lived in Post Mills for the remainder of their married lives. They loved West Fairlee and Post Mills. They shared 67 years together before Jay passed on December 9, 2015. Forty-seven of those years were spent living at their home in Post Mills, which had been previously owned by her grandparents (William and Emma), then her parents (Pearly and Camilla). The home is still owned today by their son, Brenton.

Bobbie and Jay had three children, Brenton (Mary-deceased), Melanie (Larry), and Roxanne (Chet). Bobbie and Jay had 8 grandchildren, Shannon (Karen), Shelly (Paul), Caleb (Danny), Alissa, Joshua, Varina (Toby), Elizabeth, and Marlena (AJ). They were also blessed with 17 great grandchildren: Dezi, Brady, Katie, Finn, Marissa, Owen, Adam, Zoey, Camilla, Hadrian, Avalise, Vienna, Charlotte, Aksel, Logan, Ronan, and Alora.

Bobbie had many different jobs over the years. She worked at her family's diner (green home next to the Post Mills fire department) and their general store (small house across from Post Mills fire department) in her early years. She was a waitress, housekeeper, and a cashier at Hanover Hardware. She and Jay owned and operated three businesses (Jay's Septic, Jay's Portable Toilets, and Thetford Auto Service) for over 20+ years. They worked side by side over those years at their businesses. Jay's Septic is still owned by their son, Brenton.

Most important to them was their family. They loved the family gatherings (meals, holidays, wiffle ball in the backyard). They drove hundreds of miles over the years to attend and cheer on their grandchildren at all their activities. They lived for those times sharing in those experiences.

Bobbie loved people and loved to visit everyone. She enjoyed hearing their story. She had many dear friends including her best friend, Pauline Robinson Ward Smith (deceased).

Bobbie and Jay were long-time members of the Post Mills Church serving as deacons and members on many committees over the years. The church was an important part of their lives.

Bobbie and Jay spent many hours together on their front porch waving to their neighbors going by and enjoying the beautiful view. We remember the many times Bobbie said, Jay, look at that amazing view of the meadow, the river, and Tug Mountain. We are so blessed.

Bobbie is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many family and friends. 

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Margaret Pratt Community and Bayada Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Bobbie. The love, the care, the fun they gave her was very much appreciated by her family.

We love you and miss you mom until we meet again. Give dad a hug from all of us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Post Mills Church or Post Mills Cemetery or to a charity of your choice.

 A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1pm at the Post Mills Cemetery in Post Mills, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com