Rowley - Barbara Ann Davis Carpenter, 87, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family at her Central Street home on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Born in Ipswich on September 20, 1935, she was one of four children of the late Edward A. and Estelle M. (Poirier) Gilman. Barbara was a graduate of Ipswich High School Class of 1953 after which she married and raised her four children. She served as a Cub Scout den mother and was an active member of the Ipswich Garden Club. Barbara had a long career at the United Shoe Machine in Beverly from which she retired after twenty six years of employment. She was impressed with and appreciative of its history and its later preservation as the Cummings Center.

Barbara sang for fifteen years with the Saint Mary's Folk Group in Rowley. She was an avid hiker for twenty-five years, with family and friends, of Tuckerman's Ravine in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She loved boating and fishing in the waters of Ipswich Bay and enjoyed the treat of delicious local clams. In retirement she volunteered her time with meals on wheels and Hospice.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Philip A. Davis of Ipswich, Peter S. Davis of Rowley; two daughters, Joanna L MacWhinnie and her husband Brian K. of Ipswich, Julianne Grace and husband Lawrence O'Neill of FL; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janice M. Brockelbank of Ipswich, Mary Virginia "Ginger" Doherty of Gorham, NH; a brother, John E Gilman and his wife Lydia of TX, and many nephews and nieces.

Her funeral service at the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home at 6 High Street, Ipswich will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9 preceded by visiting hours from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service. Family and friends are cordially welcomed. Interment will be in the Highland Cemetery, Ipswich.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital at www.donors@stjude.org. For directions and or to leave a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com