www.eagletimes.com
www.eagletimes.com
Springfield will mourn loss of educator Barbara Comtois By KATY SAVAGE ksavage@eagletimes.com 20 min ago 0 SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — One person was killed and another was injured in a head-on collision on Route 11, near Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Police have not yet released the names or ages of the drivers. One was transported to Springfield Hospital and died of injuries around 5 p.m. The other driver was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with unknown injuries. Friends and family confirmed Barbara Comtois, 79, a longtime Bellows Falls resident and former educator, died in the crash. Comtois was an active community member. She served on the board of the Bellows Falls Women’s Club, where she had been president from 2006 to 2010 and was a member of the Bellows Falls Masonic Lodge. She was also active in the United Church of Bellows Falls. “She was a people person,” her daughter Jean lllingworth said. “That’s why she wanted to give back to the community.” Comtois comes from a family of teachers. She taught home economics at Bellows Falls Union High School, where she met her late husband-the industrial arts teacher at the school. They eventually got married in town. “She loved the kids,” said Illingworth, who teaches first grade at Central Elementary School in Bellows Falls. “She was always involved with them, wanting them to be successful and grow up to become an important part of society and the community.” Comtois was named Mother of The Year by American Mothers, Inc. in 1992. American Mothers is a national organization that names a mother of the year from each state for their devotion to family. Comtois helped people without asking for it. She gave people rides, made baked goods for events and taught quilting at the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center. Comtois also taught Sunday School and she was on the mission board of her church. She had “almost limitless” pride in the community, said friend Betty Haggerty. “She was so well respected and loved.” She baked new creations with traditional recipes like pies and breads. “We could always count on Barb being there, fully engaged,” Haggerty said. Comtois survived breast cancer around 10 years ago. Before and after that, she maintained her commitment to giving back to the community. Once healthy, Comtois made shawls for other women who were going through cancer treatment. “It was just Barbara’s nature to help other people,” said longtime friend and neighbor Sally Macphee. Comtois was known for her bubbly smile and bright outlook. “She was very family oriented,” Macphee said. “I can’t tell you how much the community is going to miss her.” Comtois was an effective leader, she could be firm when needed. “She was like a rose,” said Deborah Wright, who is also a member of the Masonic Lodge. “She was sweet when she needed to be and thorny when she needed to be.” Comtois’ husband Richard died about five years ago. Wednesday, the day Comtois died, would have been their 54th wedding anniversary, Macphee said. Haggerty said giving back to others fulfilled Comtois’ belief system. “We’ll hold tight to the lessons she taught us,” said Haggerty, who was also named Mother of the Year. “She taught us a lot.” The crash occurred near a temporary bridge on Chester Road. Both drivers were in the vehicles alone and both were trapped. It took about three hours for police to get them out of the cars. Traffic was blocked during that time. Springfield Police Chief Doug Johnston said officers just started the investigation on Thursday morning and declined to give details of the incident. The accident is still under investigation. Those who have any information can call 802 885-2113.
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