Barbara E. (Young) Dempsey, 92, a resident of Agawam since 1973 and former longtime Springfield resident, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024.

Barbara was born on February 29, 1932, in Springfield to the late Madeline E. (Smith) Young and the late Richard I. Young.

Barbara was an avid swimmer and won numerous medals in her swimming and diving competitions. She played an active role at Trinity Methodist Church where she served on multiple boards and taught Sunday School classes for over 20 years. She was a three-year, first-honor student at Commerce High School in Springfield and won awards for typing the most recorded words per minute in the school's history on a manual typewriter, as well as earning the school's Gregg's shorthand award at 168 words per minute. Barbara used her skillset and worked at Springfield's City Hall, from where she retired. Her greatest joys came from her family and the countless laughs they shared daily, as well as the plethora of trips she and her family enjoyed over the years.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, James in 2008, her son Jay in 2009, and her grandson, Ryan in 2011.

Barbara was also predeceased by her three brothers, Richard Young (wife Patricia); Donald Young (wife Juanita), and youngest brother Bert Young.

Barbara leaves behind her daughter, Kathleen Cassidy of Feeding Hills, and her husband Paul, whom she loved like a son. She also leaves her grandchildren, Christine Cassidy and her husband, Brendan of Suffield, Daniel Cassidy of SC, James Dempsey, and Lindsey Dempsey of Ludlow as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association

Calling hours will be at Agawam Funeral Home on Thursday June 13,2024 from 9AM-10AM followed by a brief eulogy and a Funeral home service at 10:00AM. The Committal will be at the Agawam center Cem. Main St Agawam.

A celebration of Life will be held at a future time to be determined by the family.