Barbara Y. Itz, daughter of Dr. Donnell and Helen Young died peacefully in her sleep July 12, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband, Arnold Itz and her eldest daughter Helen C. Follansbee. She is survived by her children Charles Itz and wife Kimberley, George Itz and wife Patricia, Alice Itz and husband Kent Siderwitch, and Evelyn Duffty. She was also proud to announce that she had 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Barbara was born in Bangor, Maine but was raised and educated in Bethesda, Maryland. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1949. She met Arnold, the love of her life, on board a ship to France where she was headed to be a camp counselor to French war orphans and he was an officer on the ship. They corresponded all summer long and knew by the end of summer they had found their soulmates. Before heading home, Arnold took her home to meet his parents. They then headed on to Maryland to seek the blessings of her parents. The marriage took place in October of 1950 in Bethesda. Because Arnold worked for a Dutch company and was Dutch, they made their residence in Holland. Barbara was already bilingual in English and French. She learned the Dutch language and culture by immersion. Arnold’s job took him away from home for months at a time. Soon, the children came along: first Helen, then Charlie and then George. Barbara managed the home and children while her husband was away at sea. Arnold was able to secure work in the United States so the family moved first to Hanover, to live with her parents and then on to Ridgewood, New Jersey. They joined the Methodist church in town and became active members of the congregation. Their fourth child Alice was born and last came Evelyn. Having outgrowing their home, they moved to a larger home across town. As the boys became Cub Scouts and then Boy Scouts, Barbara became a Cub Scout leader and then a Den Mother. The family moved to Andover, MA in 1970 when Arnold found a new job. For the next 10 years, she did a variety of volunteer jobs such as Girl Scout leader and Town by-law committee. She did weaving demonstrations and was a docent at the North Andover Textile Museum. She also took a paid job at the Town Clerk’s office. She helped take the town census by going door to door. Barbara and Arnold joined the Ballard Vale United church shortly after moving to Andover. While there, Barbara sang in the choir, served on several committees and was the church moderator for a term. She and Arnold headed up fund raiser dinners, worked at the fairs and were active in the 1880’s group. Barbara’s father was living alone at the Hanover homestead and got to the point of needing more assistance with everyday things, so they relocated to Hanover to take care of him. They joined the Hanover Congregational Church and did what came naturally: they joined committees and shared countless hours there. Barbara began helping at the Jams and Jellies table at the church fair. Barbara made many of them herself and taught others the craft. She became an active member of the Alden Kindred of America. She was a weaving demonstrator there. She served on the scholarship committee and on the executive board for many years.

Barbara’s mother got her interested in collecting fans from all over the world and through the ages. Barbara had displayed the fans many times over the years and especially at the Alden Kindred of America in Duxbury. She liked to be busy, so for a number of years, she worked for Kelly services going out to several long term jobs, including one for Johnson and Johnson.In her spare time, she researched Hanover’s Civil war troops and compiled the extensive data she collected. Barbara served the town as By-law committee chair and helped keep the by-laws current. One of her biggest passions was working at the food pantry and helping with the in-gathering of the donated goods from the yearly postal food drive. Barbara was honored with the Community Service Award by the Town of Hanover for her 25 years of service at the Food Pantry.

She and Arnold were world travelers including Hong Kong, Poland, Germany, Austria, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Holland and Belgium. She enjoyed crocheting, mahjong, jigsaw puzzles, but most of all, reading. She was a prolific reader.

The family is grateful for all the staff at Bright View Senior Living of North Andover for taking such good care of Barbara. She was always treated with respect and treated like a member of their family.

The Itz family wishes to invite friends and family on Tuesday July 21, 2026 from 4pm-7pm. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 22, 2026 at 11Am at 1st Congregation Church Hanover, 17 Silver St, Hanover Ma 02339.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following:

Hanover Food Pantry 495 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339 or Venmo donations @HanoverFoodPantry

Alden Kindred of America https://www.alden.org 105 Alden Street, Duxbury, MA 02332

First Congregational Church of Hanover www.fcchanover.org 17 Silver Street, Hanover, MA 02339

Or, make a donation to your choice of charity.