Sara G. (Lester) Verbeck, "Sal" age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at her home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Gardner, Massachusetts on June 28, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth (Cutter) Lester. She was raised in Gardner, where she graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1954. Following her graduation, Sal continued her education at Lasell College, earning her associate's degree in 1956.
With her degree in hand, Sal took a position with American Machine and Foundry in Boston, working as a draftsman. While at AMF, Sal met her husband to be, Robert E. "Buddy" Verbeck and they were married on March 15, 1958 in Sal's hometown of Gardner. Two years later, in 1960, Sal and Buddy made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where Sally took on the role of a homemaker, caring for her young family. After welcoming her four children, Sal quickly returned to work, taking a bus driver's position with Michael J. Connolly and Sons in Walpole. She spent nearly forty years behind the wheel of a bus, ensuring the safety of all her students, whether on the way to school, field trip, or sporting event. Her outstanding performance was noted by everyone at the company, and she was put in charge of the Walpole division until her retirement in 2001.
Throughout her life, Sal loved to travel with her husband, Buddy. As young parents, they looked forward to their annual summer vacations to Harwichport and New Hampshire with their family. In more recent years, the couple traveled throughout the United States and Canada, taking bus tours, and enjoying all the sights. A special trip was planned every March, as Sal and Buddy packed their car and headed to the sunshine of Florida, spending a week or two in Saint Augustine. While they genuinely enjoyed everything the US had to offer, Sal and Buddy did enjoy boarding a ship to cruise through the Caribbean.
Most of all, Sal loved being surrounded by her family. She regularly hosted get togethers at her home in Walpole, where she cooked a big meal for everyone to enjoy. Sal was known throughout her family and neighborhood for hosting the best 4th of July parties, complete with stuffed quohogs.
Beloved wife of Robert E. "Buddy" Verbeck.
Loving mother of Leslie K. Coates and her husband, Dewayne "Cotton," of Westmoreland, Virginia, Robert M. "Bobby" Verbeck and his wife, Pam, of Boones Mill, Virginia, Kristen R. Barsomian and her husband, Richard, of Mansfield, and Susan "Suzy" Krueger and her husband, Todd, of Acton.
Cherished grandmother of Stephanie Johnson of Virginia, Kelly Goodwin of Georgia, Lindsey Johns and her husband, Chris, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Debra Craig and her husband, Matthew, of Locust Grove, Virginia, Richard J. Barsomian of Mansfield, and Jeffrey R. Barsomian of Mansfield; and great grandmother of Alyssa Goodwin, Joseph Goodwin, Cameron Goodwin, Scarlett Johns and Warren Johns.
Sister of the late David R. Lester.
Aunt of Jennifer Pepple of North Dakota, and Timothy Lester of Minnesota.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Sal's Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 1 to 3 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.
As a result of the ongoing and ever-developing health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, Sally's family has decided that her funeral service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, 130 Rumford Avenue, Suite 211, Auburndale, MA 02466.