Obituary of Barbara Lappen

Barbara Lois (Shenning) Lappen, 88, of Manchester, and beloved wife of the late John "Jack" Lappen, died peacefully on Dec. 18, 2021.

She was born Feb. 17, 1933, and was a lifelong resident of Manchester. She was the daughter of the late C. Harry Shenning and Edith Carlson Shenning. She graduated from Middlesex Community College in 1953 and became a registered nurse, working at Johnson Memorial and Manchester Memorial Hospitals before starting a family. She also volunteered for many years at the Red Cross before working there full time. Barbara was a caring loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and grandmother who cherished her family and loved family gatherings. She enjoyed hosting pool parties in the summer and on holidays, when family and friends came together. She adored her children and spending time with her the grandchildren teaching crafts and her baking secrets. Barbara was an artist who enjoyed painting in oils, acrylics, watercolors and chalk. She was chair of the Manchester Art Association and her works have been displayed throughout the town in both libraries and Manchester Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed travels to the Caribbean, Europe, Florida and U.S. national parks with her husband Jack. In her younger years she enjoyed swimming, water skiing and rowing especially with family at Rogers Lake. She also enjoyed golfing, billiards, tennis and playing bridge with friends. She mastered the art of beating us all in friendly games of croquet. She had a subtle way of bestowing her kind wisdom on us through the years in a way that we deeply appreciated.

Barbara was married to the love of her life Jack Lappen for 66 years who passed away eight days prior on Dec. 10, 2021. She is survived by her five children, Cathy Lappen of Manchester; Wayne (Jennifer) Lappen of Woodbury, Vermont; Mark (Kristi) Lappen of South Windsor; Walter (Tracey) Lappen of Southington; Earl (Katherine) Lappen of Manchester; her sisters-in-law Barbara (Robert) Johnson of St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeanne Lappen of Tolland and Rita Lappen of Port Orange, Florida; her eight grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica, Kelly, Nicholas (Carlie), John, Michael and, Kyle Lappen and Aspen Tucker. She was predeceased by her brother Roy Shenning and his wife, Zelda of Brandon, Florida; and her brothers-in-law Richard Lappen of Daytona Beach, Florida and Howard Lappen of South Windsor. In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and their families. Barbara was a beautiful lady who will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to all the caretakers and nurses as well as the tireless dedication and love of her daughter Cathy.

Service details will be announced at a late date.