Barbara J. (Tefft) Tourigny

Barbara J. Tourigny died peacefully on November 7, 2023 after a life well lived. She was 93.

Barbara was born in Savoy, MA in 1930 to Katherine and Volney Tefft. She lived in Gardner, MA for most of her life, and graduated from Gardner High School in 1948. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard L. “Trig” Tourigny, and together they raised their family of four children.

Barbara was deeply proud of her children. She was a loving mom who taught them many life essentials such as how to double-knot their shoelaces, the importance of good table manners, and how fresh picked blueberries could make any pancake taste better.  She loved fixing the many old houses they lived in and was an expert in painting doors and hanging wallpaper – all while managing sore throats and scraped knees.

Her love of old houses led her to a career in real estate. She earned her real estate agent’s license in the early 1970s, entering what was then a field dominated by men, and built a reputation as a competent and trustworthy advisor for both homeowners and buyers. In 1990, she and Trig formed Trigg Realty, and for nearly two decades their office was a prominent feature in downtown Garder at the corner of Central and West Lynde Streets.

Barbara had a love of life. She loved to drive sports cars and was known to run errands in her convertible with the top down, windows up, and the heater blasting on sunny winter days. She skied with Trig in the Alps, the Rockies, and throughout New England, and they backpacked the Greek countryside when they were in their late sixties. Her favorite things included spending time at Lake Monomonac, her ladies’ golf group, and ice cold Manhattans. She was an expert seamstress and had a passion for crafting beautifully constructed quilts.

Barbara, we love you and we know you're offering gentle support as you always have. You will be dearly missed until we all meet again.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. “Trig” Tourigny. She is survived by four children, Suzanne L. Tourigny of Cheshire, MA, Jay S. Tourigny and his wife Patricia of Canton, CT, Barry K. Tourigny and his wife Debra of Pensacola, FL, and Ross R. Tourigny and his wife Kathy of Rindge, NH, and ten grandchildren, Daniel Carmel, Ivy Carmel, Katherine Hemler, Andrew Tourigny, Cheryl Tourigny, Seth Tourigny, Levi Tourigny, Sage Tourigny, Danielle Story, and Nicole Wilson, as well as several great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Stone Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, MA, followed by a service at 12Noon.   Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com.

Stone Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, Ma has been entrusted with her care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.