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NEW CANAAN, Conn. - Barbara Nell Gilderdale of New Canaan died July 12. She was 91.
Gilderdale was born Nov. 14, 1921, in Colrain, Mass., daughter of Frederic T. and Henrietta Osgood Gilderdale. She attended Spurr School in Colrain and was a 1939 graduate of Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Her library career began at The Springfield (MA) City Library followed by a position with the Greenfield (MA) Public Free Library which led to the New Britain (CT) Library. In 1954 she joined the staff of The New Canaan Library where she retired from in 1982. She attended Trinity College and received her BA from the University of New Hampshire and a MALS from the University of Denver.
Gilderdale was a trail guide at the New Canaan Nature center, a member of the genealogy club at Lapham, volunteered at the New Canaan Historical Society and was a member of the Congregational Church of New Canaan. Gilderdale is survived by nephews, David of Randolph, Vt., and Alan of Colrain, Mass.; niece, Judy Fowler of Halifax, Vt.; five grandnieces; two grandnephews; three great grand nieces; four great grandnephews; five first cousins; and many close friends in New Canaan. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Helen Frederica Gilderdale; brother William Osgood Gilderdale; and friend, Lillie Specht. Graveside services and burial will be at a later date in the family lot in the North River Cemetery, Colrain, Mass.
The Hoyt Funeral Home, New Canaan, are in charge of arrangements.
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