Obituary of Barbara Prentiss Jones Hale

WALLINGFORD - Barbara Prentiss Jones Hale,95, departed this life peacefully on January 2,2018, at Apple Rehab of Laurel Woods,East Haven. For the past 5 years, her deep faith helped her to bravely face adversity, which restricted her from enjoy enjoying life, as she would have otherwise desired. Barbara was born in Worcester, MA, on March 22,1922, to Henry Ware Jones Jr.and Elisabeth (Prentiss) Jones.                                                                                                            

Mrs. Hale grew up in the Spring Glen area of Hamden, graduating from The Foote School and Prospect Hill School, where she made lifelong friendships. She went on to study and graduate from Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA. Upon returning to New Haven, she worked in the office of architect Douglas Orr  where she would meet her future husband Peter Hale.I n 1945, Barbara and Peter were married at St Johns Episcopal Church in North Haven. By 1950, they were living in their home in East Wallingford, in a house which Peter had designed. This was their beloved home and where their family of 3 sons (including twins Samuel and Simon and shortly after, Thomas) were all raised.

Mrs Hale was involved in volunteer work at Recording for the Blind in New Haven where she recorded books and other items for blind students. Her efforts and her skill were recognized. She began her career there, spanning 35 years, during which time, she was the Studio Manager at Recording for the Blind, retiring in 1987. Mrs.Hale was associated with various community organizations including: The Junior League of New Haven and The Wallingford Library Board. Her deep faith drew her to be an active and beloved member of St. Johns Episcopal Church, Yalesville, where she was lovingly involved in all aspects of the life of her parish family.

Barbara was a sheer delight to all who knew her loving kindness, her humor and her zest for life itself. She remained active and in her own home, until she was 90, where she had many interests, to include: a love of swimming (while doing 500 back strokes, simultaneously), visits to Falmouth.MA on the Cape to visit her sister- in- law every summer, driving herself until she was 85; she was also an avid reader, had a love of gardening, including her ever yielding lemon tree, wildlife, travel, the theater, arts and music. She was also a gifted painter, who could sit and do lovely paintings free handed by simply looking at an object.

Mrs Hale was predeceased in death by her husband, Peter Powers Hale, her son,Samuel F.Hale, brothers Henry Ware Jones III, and Edward T.Jones, as well as a great many dear friends.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses: Simon (Barbara) of Northford and Tom (Jen) of Shelburne, MA. Beloved grandchildren include Emma, of Shelburne, MA, and of Interlaken, NY, grandson Sam (Rachel) and great granddaughter, Harper. Also left to grieve her passing are very cherished nieces, nephews and friends.                                               

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will held at St. Johns Episcopal Church, Yalesville, on April 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at In Memoriam Cemetery, Wallingford.

If one desires, memorial contributions or floral arrangements may be directed to: St. Johns Episcopal Church, 360 Church St, Yalesville, CT 06492.

The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.