Barbara A. (Plankey) Poplis, 85, of Paxton, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at Saint Vincent Hospital following an illness.

Barbara was born in Burlington, Vermont, daughter of the late Noah and J. Shirley (Clarke) Plankey. During her youth, Barbara’s family moved to Worcester, where she graduated from North High School. She spent several years as a clock assembler for the Telechron Division of General Electric in Worcester. Later, Barbara’s love of children led her to offer her “babysitting” skills by caring for several children at her home through the years.

She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Poplis, who died in 2012. Together, they shared over 53 years of marriage. She leaves her two children, Linda J. Pepin and her husband, John of Paxton and Roger D. Poplis and his wife, Katrina of Holliston; her two adored grandchildren, Stephanie and Adam Pepin. Barbara enjoyed the thrill of searching for the winning scratch ticket and her excursions to the casinos. She was a longtime member of Saint Columba Parish in Paxton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29, at 11 a.m. at Saint Columba Church, 18 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visitation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.