St. ALBANS - On July 25, 2022, our beloved mother passed away, age 87, at the Merrow family farmhouse. Barbara's passions were sketching and paintings of the barn, hiking, traveling, her gardens, hunting, fishing and car rides. Special memories with her grandchildren include hiking and camping, picnics and sleepovers. She was a devoted fan of their sports & recitals. She loved her collection of bears, cardinals, geraniums, cosmos and her favorite singer Johnny Cash. She studied two years at Thomas College, and completed a static line jump from an airplane with her daughters. In 1997, Barbara (AT trail name BJ Running Bear) completed 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Virginia). Her last employer was Bud's in Pittsfield where she worked for 20+ years and had many special co-workers and customers. Barbara leaves behind her loving husband, Alton Welch, of 23 years. She leaves behind two sisters Nathalie Boulanger & Marilyn Butler; seven children, one son Tim & Susan Boulanger, six daughters and partners Jacque & Carroll Patterson, Terry & Fred Chambers, Rebecca Boulanger & Steve Gates, Micheline & Randy Ross, Sherry & Scott Buzzell and Troi Boulanger; twelve grandchildren, Tina Page, Nicole Dean, Nicholas Chambers, Kristi Gilbert, Nathaniel & Matthew Boulanger, Kyle & Jamie Hanson, Brandi Weaver, Shane Ross, Stewart & Shannon Buzzell; and sixteen great grandchildren. She also leaves behind five stepchildren and partners, Michael & Edie Welch, David & Debbie Welch, Barry & Lori Welch, Nancy & Kevin Hurley, Kelly Campbell Welch & Chris West; twelve grandchildren Bobby Stewart, Melissa Davenport, Michael Welch, Devin Welch, Darcy Loabe, Amber & Tatum Welch, Denali Kennedy, Lindsay Withee, Natasha Welch, Jacqueline Manry and Shannon Allard; and sixteen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Althea & Charles Estes, three brothers Dana, Danny & Bobby, Aunt Evelyn Lord, and a grandson Todd Patterson. At the request of Barbara there will be a private graveside service. Her family will hold an open Celebration of Life at the St. Albans Community Center, 129 Hartland Road on Saturday, August 27th at 3:30 PM. The family would like to acknowledge Bangor Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal. The family of Barbara Boulanger Welch feels that due to unforeseen circumstances it is necessary to postpone the celebration of life service planned for her on Saturday, August 27th at the St. Albans Community Center. A notice of a rescheduled event will be published through the Rolling Thunder Newspaper at a later date. Please share this news with anyone that may have planned to attend. Kind regards