Velma M. (VanSice) Barrowsof Shirley; 87 SHIRLEY -- Velma M. (VanSice) Barrows, 87, of Shirley, died Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Nashoba Valley Medial Center, Ayer surrounded by her family.She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Philip F. Barrows, Sr., in 1998.She was born on February 23rd, 1929 in Sayre, Pennsylvania to Glenn and Christine VanSice of Ulster, PA.She leaves her son, Philip (Skip) F. Barrows Jr. of Chesapeake, VA two daughters, Kathleen Schaeffer and Stephanie Barrows both of Shirley; two daughters-in-law: Sarah (Leonard) Barrows of Sackets Harbor, N.Y. and Sandra (Callahan) Barrows of Ludlow, MA.; her sister and brother-in- law, Mary L. and Carl Becker of Interlaken, NY; seven grandchildren: Timothy Schaeffer ad his wife Caitlin (Scott) Schaeffer of Shirley, Christine M. Barrows of Chesapeake, VA., Michele Burkhart of Chesapeake, VA., Joshua K. Barrowsand his wife Jessica (Saimeri) Barrows, and Jacob G. Barrows, all of Ludlow, MA., Thomas P. Barrows of Ludlow and Boston, MA., Daniel Barrows of Ludlow, MA. (currently serving in the U.S. Army); 4 Great-Grandchildren: Abigail and Joseph Schaeffer, Hayden P. Burkhart, and Ava E. Barrows and many nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by two sons, Gregory in 2000, and Michael in 2016, and her bother, Glenn R. VanSice in 2008.Before retiring in September 1995, "Mrs. B" enjoyed a 25 year career as a Librarian at the Davis Library, Fort Devens. Aside from her obsession with birds, Alan Jackson and George Jones, she enjoyed all kinds of music and played many instruments including the guitar, piano, and hand bells. Her proudest accomplishments in life consisted of her 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was proud of each of them and was quick to share them with everyone that visited. She was a member of the Apple Valley Baptist Church in Ayer for many years and prior to that, the Calvary Baptist Church of Ayer.BARROWS -- Funeral services will be held 4 PM Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, (Rte 2A) Ayer. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.Mrs. Barrows' family will receive family and friends on Saturday from 3 PM until the time of the service.