Barbara Milensky

Barbara Milensky, a tireless volunteer and advocate for the City of Pittsfield died on May 17, 2023 at Hillcrest Commons of Alzheimer’s Disease. Barbara is survived by her brother Chester and his family and by her first cousin Paul and his wife Beverly. Barbara was the eldest of three children born to Chester and Frances Zavilenski Milensky, long-term residents of Pittsfield. Barbara gave love and care to her brother Richard while he was in a Group Home with BCArc, an organization Barbara admired. Barbara was also caregiver to both her parents who also died of Alzheimer’s. Barbara, while a patient at Bennington’s Memory Clinic, was Chairperson of the Memory Walk, appeared multiple times as Alzheimer's advocate on the Smile with B-Mile Television Show, and was named the State of Massachusetts’ Alzheimer’s Association’s Volunteer of the Year. Barbara graduated with honors from Pittsfield High School and North Adams State College. She was a retired executive secretary and conference planner for General Electric Company. Among other duties, she traveled to world capitals setting up international conferences. Barbara made regular contributions to the Pittsfield Police and Fire Departments, the Friends of the Athenaeum, the 4th of July Parade Committee, the Humane Society, and many other organizations and charities. She also served as Board Member of Elder Services of Berkshire County. Barbara was passionate about theater, supporting local and regional theater groups. She supported local restaurants and purchased books at local independent bookstores. Her extensive personal library, filled with hard-cover mysteries and literary titles, was donated to the Athenaeum. Barbara held gatherings for friends and neighbors at her apartment on North Street to view the 4th of July Parade and celebrate holidays. Her friends indicate she was the most loyal and supportive friend one could ask for and will miss her dearly. FUNERAL NOTICE: Visitation will be held 10-12 am Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Pittsfield. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s name to Elder Services of Berkshire County or to the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Barbara Milensky

September 4, 1940 - May 17, 2023