Barbara P. (Wakelee) Glover, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Coachman Square in Woodbridge. Born on June 3, 1930, in Shelton to Julia and Dwight Morgan Wakelee, Barbara was a lifelong resident of the community she cherished. Her roots in Shelton shaped every chapter of her life, from her early education in the local school system to her many years of service to the city she loved.
Barbara began her career as a seamstress at Stroller Dresses of Shelton before later working as a secretary for the Glover Construction Company, owned by her former husband, Leroy T. Glover. Although her professional roles were meaningful, it was her volunteer work that revealed her true calling. While assisting in the Elizabeth Shelton School library, Barbara discovered a deep love of books—one that grew into a lifelong devotion to literacy, learning, and community enrichment.
For more than 45 years, Barbara served the City of Shelton as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Plumb Memorial Library. Her dedication to the community was unwavering and was reflected in decades of thoughtful leadership. She championed literacy initiatives, expanded programming, and played a key role in establishing the Huntington Branch Library at the Shelton Community Center.
She taught English as a second language, led literacy programs, and delighted in finding creative ways to spark curiosity in young readers. As a member of the Friends of the Shelton Libraries, she organized used book sales to help fund new titles and resources.
Barbara also had a deep passion for preserving local history. She contributed her time and energy to Save Our Sterling Opera House in Derby and the historic Ripton School House in Shelton. In 2009, the Shelton Republican Town Committee recognized her outstanding service with the John Davis Lodge Award, honoring her as an exceptional elected official and community leader whose kindness, good nature, and steadfast dedication were second to none. Although she encouraged the libraries to stay on the cutting edge of technology, she lived simply, without a computer or television in her home.
Outside her civic work, Barbara found joy in gardening, feeding birds, and caring for the feral cats that were drawn to her gentle spirit. She contributed a block to the library quilt and was a member of the Piece Maker Quilt Guild. Quilting alongside her dear friends Ruth and Charlotte brought her great happiness.
Barbara was predeceased by her former husband, Leroy T. Glover, and her parents, Julia and Dwight Morgan Wakelee.
Barbara will be forever cherished by her two children, Thomas Leroy Glover (Jennifer Desroches) of Shelton and Catherine Drew Glover Wesoly of Burlington, CT; her grandchildren, Kristen Woodworth (David), Jason Glover (Lorie Naber), Amy Wesoly (Justin Bartram), Erin Glover (Evan Velush), and Alyssa Healey (Jason); and her great-grandchildren, Liam Woodworth, Keira Healey, and Kaelin Healey. She is also survived by her sisters, Lois Bryant and Phyllis Walsh, along with several nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at Coachman Square in Woodbridge, as well as Enhabit Home Health & Hospice of Rocky Hill, CT, for their exceptional care and kindness.
Friends may greet the family on Saturday from 2 to 4 PM at The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Friends of the Shelton Libraries, c/o Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster Street, Shelton, CT 06484. honoring Barbara’s lifelong devotion to literacy and learning.