Mrs. Barbara Isabel Newton Kie

Barbara Isabel Newton Kie, 86, died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease on Sunday December 2, 2018 at Mount Greylock Extended Care where she resided since 2013. Born in Pittsfield MA on May 9, 1932, Barbara was the daughter of Winslow and Josephine Rosier Newton. She often shared fond memories of growing up on the farm in Lanesborough. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1950. While playing at a friend’s house, Barbara “bandaged” a make-believe injury and announced her intention to be a nurse when she grew up. She never wavered from her career choice. She graduated from Henry W. Bishop III Memorial School of Nursing in 1953 and completed a post graduate course in operating room nursing at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She had a distinguished career as an operating room nurse and manager at Hillcrest Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital. She was the first nurse at BMC to become a Certified Nurse—Operating Room (CNOR). She was especially proud of helping design and direct the Crane Center for Day Surgery. “Mrs. Kie” taught and mentored generations of nurses and surgical technicians. She retired as Vice President of Nursing at Fairview in June 1994. Barbara generously gave her time and expertise to local organizations including HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Elder Services and her beloved Bishop Alumnae Association. She was a member of PEO Chapter L. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield. She enjoyed travelling. More than anything, Barbara was proud of her two daughters and three grandchildren. For her daughters, she modeled the perseverance to break through the glass ceiling and fight for equality in all aspects of life. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s games, meets, performances and graduations. She is loved and missed by her daughters Pamela L. Kie-Viner (and husband George Viner) of Sun City Center FL and Kim E. Kie (and fiance Jeffrey Manion) of Barre VT; grandchildren Justin Kie-Burdick, Elissa Viner Waskiewicz (and husband Daniel Waskiewicz) and Erik Viner; brother Winslow E. Newton, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Henry Newton and Joseph Newton. The family thanks the staff of Mount Greylock Extended Care and HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their loving care and compassion. The memorial service is planned for Saturday December 15, 2018 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church Pittsfield. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mrs. Barbara Isabel Newton Kie

May 9, 1932 - December 2, 2018