Published January 4, 2019
MELROSE – Barbara E. (Elliott) Charlton, 91, longtime resident of Melrose, died Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at her home.
Barbara was born in Arlington on March 16, 1927, one of five children of the late Claude V. and Beatrice (Ramsay) Elliott. She grew up in Arlington, graduated from Arlington High School, and then graduated from Katharine Gibbs College in Boston.
In her youth, Barbara enjoyed going skiing in New Hampshire with her cousin, going out dancing, and was also a cheerleader in high school. She was family oriented from an early age. She spent as much time as she could with her family, and also took care of the adults whenever they needed any help.
Barbara married Arthur L. Charlton Jr. on September 13, 1945. Arthur tragically died in 1963 while serving our country, and she remained a proud Navy wife all her life.
Barbara settled in Melrose to raise her family. She was a devoted employee of the Harvard Business School where she worked as a Financial Officer, retiring in 1991. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and being active in her son Jon’s life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend.
Other hobbies and interests of Barbara’s were traveling to Maine her to cabin in Belfast on Penobscot Bay, exercising her green thumb, reading as much as she could, catching up on her T.V. shows, and staying informed of news and politics. She was a proud lifelong Republican.
Barbara lived a life full of love for her family, and never lost her sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by all those she touched throughout her 91 years.
Barbara is the beloved wife of the late Arthur L. Charlton Jr. with whom she shared 18 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Jon C. Charlton and his wife Gayle of Saugus. Dear sister of David W. Elliott of Hooksett, N.H., the late Assistant Adj. Gen. Howard V. Elliott, Carol N. Martens, and Robert Elliott. Proud grandmother of Arthur S. Charlton and Christopher J. Charlton, both of Peabody. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, or the Animal Rescue League, 10 Chandler St. Boston, MA 02116. For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
