Barbara Leavens Joachim

Barbara “Barb” Anderson Leavens Joachim, 92, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Elizabethtown, NY, following a brief illness.

Barbara was born on July 26, 1933, in Griffin, Quebec, to James Anderson and Marjorie Bronson. She attended a convent school in Stanstead, Quebec, where she became fluent in French, and graduated from Derby Academy in 1952. After graduation, she worked as a clerk at Butterfield Ltd., where she met William Leavens. They married in 1953 and raised four children: Gary, Jeffrey, Cindy, and Jody. Together, they purchased and remodeled a historic 1900’s schoolhouse on Nelson Hill in Derby, VT, where they made many family memories.

Barbara began working for the UVM Extension Service in Newport, VT, where she was actively involved with 4-H, helping organize projects such as car washes and exchange trips with 4-H'ers in Indiana and Nova Scotia.

In 1977, she moved to Milton, VT, and began a long career as a case manager with the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (now AgeWell) and the Milton Senior Center, where she served the community for over 30 years with dedication and compassion.

Barbara married David Joachim in 1984. Together, they lived in Milton and Fairfax for many years before moving to Essex Junction. They shared many joyful memories on cross-country road trips to visit family and friends.

A devoted grandmother, Barbara took great pride in her grandchildren, attending musical performances, sports, and activities, always eager to support their accomplishments. She enjoyed tending to her many flower gardens, swimming in the summers, baking for local fundraisers, and shopping for antique collectibles at area garage sales.

Barbara and David were actively involved in the United Church of Milton, where they served on the church’s hospitality team during Sunday coffee hours and attended Bible studies together.

After moving to Essex Junction, Barbara and David made many new friends in their apartment community. Weekly highlights included playing cards, offering neighbors rides, and joining in on Bingo games. She also loved reading and taking long drives through the countryside.

She is survived by her son Gary (Margaret) Leavens of Derby, VT; daughter Cindy (Michael) Dickerson of Milton, VT; daughter-in-law Kathy Leavens of Milroy, IN; and daughter-by-marriage Debbie (Todd) Sheridan of Colchester, VT. She was predeceased by her husband David, son Jeffrey Leavens of Milroy, IN, and daughter Jody Leavens of Plattsburgh, NY. Barbara is also survived by 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Barbara was especially grateful for the compassionate in-home caregivers who helped her maintain her independence until the summer of 2025, when she transitioned to more intensive support.

A graveside burial service will be held at the Milton Village Cemetery (date to be determined), with Rev. Jeff Cornwell officiating.