In Memory of Barbara Earl (January 3, 1937 – December 7, 2020)

We our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Barbara Earl, who died on December 7, 2020 at the age of 83.

Barbara was born on January 3, 1937 in Ilford, England to Elizabeth Maclntyre and Jack Fenner. In 1957, she received her teaching certificate from St. Osyths College in England and immigrated to Canada with her husband (Arthur Earl) in 1958. There she taught in the public school system for five years, from there she worked in a nursery school, initially as an assistant, and eventually as owner and administrator. She also established a separate day care center where she worked as a supervisor. When her marriage ended in 1981, it was during this period she discovered Unitarian Universalism, and its commitment to the peace movement made her optimistic. She found people who spoke about the real issues and with whom she could really connect. This marked the beginning of her ministerial journey.

In 1990, Barbara received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Religious Education from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. While completing her bachelor’s degree she worked as a Chaplain at the Unitarian Congregation of South Peel (UCSP) at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She officiated at many weddings and memorials and assisted the minister, the Rev. Mark De Wolfe with his duties as his health declined. Later, she helped the Mississauga congregation weather the storm of the death of their minister (De Wolfe). In 1993, Barbara graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School, IL with her Master of Divinity.

Rev. Earl was ordained on June 19, 1993 by the UCSP at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Following her ordination, she accepted a call from the UU Congregation of Franklin, NH and served for four years (1993-1997). Afterward, she served at the UU Church of Minnetonka, Wayzata, MN (1997-1999) and retired on August 31, 1999.

Rev. Earl served as President of the Twin Rivers Clergy Association, NH; as an Extension Chair for the NH/VT District (1995-1996); and as a Vice Chair and Program Director for the Emerson Ballou Chapter UUMA. She was involved with the Hospice Care of Nantucket, MA; and Our Island Home, Nantucket, MA (a town owned home for seniors) where she served the morning coffee and offered her good listening to a population who felt isolated from the lives they used to have.

Barbara’s daughter Lesley recalls: “Mum was very good at Scrabble and she used to have snail mail games going. She could get multiple 7 letter words. She enjoyed Jeopardy, a lifelong watcher. She was also a member of Mensa at one point in her life.”

Barbara is survived by her sister Jean; her daughters: Lesley, Sheila, and Laura; and her grandchildren: Kevin, Brian, Charles, Ainsley, Braedon and MacKenzie. She was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Maclntyre, her father Jack Fenner, and her brother Jack.