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Barbara Hoffmann Brodbeck, 89, of Hamden died peacefully on March 18 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with her son and daughter at her side.

Barbara was born in West Haven in 1926 to Walter and Janet Hoffmann. She spent her summers at her family’s cottages on Kelsey Place beach in Madison and worked for seven summers at the Madison Beach Hotel.

Barbara was married to Richard W. Spence of Brooklyn, New York, in 1950 and moved to Port Chester, New York, where she raised two children and taught at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, New York. Throughout her life Barbara was a voracious reader and enjoyed traveling, sailing, swimming, and playing pinochle. Barbara graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1948. She later went on to earn a master of education degree at Lehman College, City University of New York.

Barbara married Milton “Tuck” Brodbeck in 1977. They lived in Essex and Old Saybrook, where they ran a B&B. Upon retiring, they relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where Barbara volunteered at Meals on Wheels, SECU Family House, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the New Hanover Medical Center. She loved her time in Wilmington and remained in touch with the many friends she made there.

Following the death of her husband Tuck, Barbara returned to Hamden, where she volunteered at the public library, and the Miller Senior Center. She was so thankful for the many new friends who welcomed her to Hamden.

She was a trailblazer. Before she married Tuck, she bought a 25-foot sailboat and was astounded to find that marinas and yacht clubs would not allow single women as members! She finally found safe harbor at Orienta Yacht Club in Mamaroneck, New York, and spent many happy weekends on Long Island Sound. She recently spent time exploring the New England coast in search of the perfect lobster roll.

Barbara is survived by her children Gail Spence of Madison and David Spence and wife Leslie of Carmel Valley, California; her sister Joan Boyd and husband Jim of Wilmington, North Carolina; her brother Charles Hoffmann and wife Gerry of Cheshire; stepchildren Bruce Brodbeck and wife Kathleen of Manasquan, New Jersey, Eric Brodbeck of Vero Beach, Florida, and Randi Brodbeck Licare and husband Steven of Ridgefield; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her love of adventure, and her killer apple pie. She had a long and healthy life and was loved dearly by her family and friends. She is greatly missed.

Donations may be sent to the SECU Family House, 1523 Physician’s Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, (910) 662-9980, ATTN: Lynnette, www.NHRMC.org.