DALTON, Mass. — Barbara Marie "Barb" Sakowski, 82, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2019, at Berkshire Medical Center after a long, heroic battle with cancer. 

Barbara was born April 11, 1936, in Albany, N.Y., to the late Jack and Laura (LaSarso) Toombs. She was the oldest of two children; her younger sister, Laurine Toombs, resides in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from Dalton High School. 

She married Joseph John Sakowski Sr. on November 17, 1956. They had three children: Donna Marie, who has married to the late William McEwen of Peru, Mass., Stephen Joseph and his wife Sandra of Dalton, Mass., and Joseph John Jr. of Pittsfield, Mass. She had five grandchildren, Molly McEwen, Kyle McEwen, Matthew Sakowski, Jared Sakowski, and Adam Sakowski. She also had four great-grandchildren, Bradley Litchfield, Noelle Sakowski, Ethan Sakowski, and Howard Sakowski. 

Barb enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved sharing her numerous stories and immense wisdom with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barb and Joe looked forward to winters in St.Petersburg, Fla., with her sister. 

She was a proud member of Pioneer Valley Aquarium Society. She spent many years as a Campfire leader and continued to maintain her friendship with other Campfire leaders in a group they named the "Odd Squad."

She also loved collecting and making dolls. She was a loving, caring person, devoted wife, mother, and friend, always thinking of others and willing to lend a hand when anyone was in need. She always faced a challenge head on, with a positive attitude, and her famous words, "It is what it is!"

She requested recognition and thanks to go to the thoughtful nurses and physical therapists at Kindred at Home, the amazing angel nurses at the Infusion Center in Pittsfield, Mass., the outstanding staff of 5 West at Berkshire Medical Center and the caring men and women of Dalton Ambulance Squad. 

Barbara and her family are very grateful for their professionalism, strength, kindness and understanding, as it made her difficult battle more bearable. 

Funeral notice: At Barbara’s request there will be no services. Donations can be made in her honor to the Dalton Ambulance at 20 Flansburg Ave., Dalton, MA 01226 through Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 East Main St., Dalton, MA 01226.