Barbara Cottle Child died peacefully on March 3 at the home of her son and daughter in law in Memphis, Tenn.

She was born on Oct. 27, 1925, in Winchester to Lemyra West Cottle and Fred Raymond Cottle. She grew up in Lambert’s Cove and graduated from Tisbury High School in 1941. She attended Vesper George School of Art graduating in 1942. Upon graduation, she returned to Martha’s Vineyard where she worked for Van Riper’s Ship Model and Mosher Photo. There she met Edward Child. They were married at the Lambert’s Cove Church on June 23, 1946.

They moved to Troy, N.Y., while Ed attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After his graduation they bought a farm in Westfield and farmed for several years before returning to Barbara’s beloved Lambert’s Cove where they raised their three sons.

Barbara loved her community and was an active member of the D.A.R., Martha’s Vineyard Antiques Club, Martha’s Vineyard Doll Club and secretary for the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services board of directors. She was an original member of the West Tisbury planning board. She also worked for Greene’s Hillside Farm as a floral designer as well as the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore. After her retirement she continued working for Joan Merry designing and arranging wedding flowers which she enjoyed well into her 80s.

She returned to school in her 70s, earning an associates degree in psychology while working for The United Way of Hartford.

Barbara and Ed spent over 30 years as volunteers for the American Red Cross. Ed drove an ERV during the aftermath of 9/11 with Barbara working alongside him. Their missions included trips to Puerto Rico and Tennessee helping with the aftermath of natural disasters. She and Ed drove their camper on four pleasure trips to Alaska. They traveled to France as well. They both enjoyed the adventure of travel and the opportunity to meet new people. Barbara’s greatest love however remained Lambert’s Cove, where she spent her childhood and adulthood monitoring the water, flora and fauna.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward S. Child, a brother Edmund C. Cottle and sister Jane Cottle Baker. She is survived by her three sons, Henry T. (Hal) Child, Clinton R. Child and Kenneth T. Child; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Lambert’s Cove Cemetery on Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. A reception for family and friends will follow at the home of Ken Child.

Donations can be made to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, or Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, both in Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.