KENT, Conn.—Barbie Howland-Morton of South Kent passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025, at the Candlewood Valley Health Center.
She was born May 10, 1957, in New Milford, Conn., daughter of the late James and Susan Waller Howland. She lived on her family’s dairy farm in her early years, graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School and then Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Mass., with a degree in travel administration. After spending a number of years traveling the world as a tour guide, she settled in Tucson, Ariz., and worked for the Salvation Army.
She earned her doctorate in ministry and became a pastor in Globe, Ariz. Eventually she returned to South Kent where she helped many individuals as an in-home caregiver. Her deepest joys were hosting guests and hikers from the Appalachian Trail in her home, as well as spending time with her friends from Kent Center School, Cindi and Mary.
Barbie is survived by her husband, Dan Morton; daughter Ann (Stephen) Harbour, and two grandsons, Jacob and Lucus of Wyoming; her aunt and uncle, Art and Judy Howland of South Kent; and many cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charitable organization of your choice. Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
The Warren Congregational Church on 4 Sackett Hill Road in Warren will have a remembrance of Barbie as part of their regular service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. All are welcome to attend.