Barbara Stearns Credit: Courtesy Barbara Ann (Jensen) Stearns passed away on July 14, 2026, in Burlington, Vt., at 97 years of age. Barb was born on September 25, 1928, in West Hartford, Conn., where she resided until leaving to attend the University of Vermont. Successful and active in colle ge life, she graduated with a BA in English in 1950. While at UVM, Barb met a young engineer, Burdett “Bud” Stearns, whom she married in 1951. Life took them many places, including stays in Illinois, Washington State, New Mexico and New York. Along the way, their children — Kimberly (1952), Julia (1953) and Harland (1955) — were born. Barb and her family resettled in Vermont in 1966. Barb had strong people skills, which she applied as a schoolteacher, school counselor and, after receiving a MS in educational counseling (UVM, 1974), as a mental health practitioner with the Encouragement Center (Colchester, Vt.) and Networks (Burlington, Vt.). She “retired” at age 70 but never did slow down. She loved talking with people, participating in book clubs, writing poetry, playing tennis, sailing, swimming and spending time at her cottage on Bald Hill Pond. Barbara is survived by her daughter Julia Sexstone and husband Alan; grandsons, Sean and Graham Sexstone; granddaughters, Shannon and Shayla Dickerson; and great-grandchildren, Colin, Stella, Leah, Russell, Vincent, Crosby and Owen Sexstone. Her daughters-in-law, Teresa and Colleen, held a special place in her heart. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Burdett Stearns; son, Harland; and daughter Kimberly. A memorial service will be held in late August at a time and place to be announced. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing to JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project), a Burlington organization with which Barbara actively worked for many years. The post Obituary: Barbara Ann (Jensen) Stearns, 1928-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less