1946 - 2026
Born in Milford on October 26, 1946, Roxie was the daughter of the late Merton “Toby” and Janet (Smith) Barrows. She graduated from Nipmuc High School with the Class of 1964 and later attended Salter Business School in Worcester. Her strong work ethic, determination, and quiet grace remained evident throughout her life.
Roxie was the co-owner of Ron’s Plaza Sunoco and Service Station, where she handled bookkeeping duties for more than 25 years before retiring in 1997. She took pride in her work and was admired for her reliability, organization, and steady presence. Her dedication played an important role in the success of the family business.
Faith was a guiding force in Roxie’s life. She was a devoted member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she found fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual strength. She also enjoyed attending Bible studies and spending time with others sharing in faith and friendship.
Roxie cherished life’s simple joys, especially time spent with family. Her home was always warm and welcoming, often filled with the aroma of homemade baked goods fresh from the oven. She will be remembered for the kindness and care she gave so freely to those around her.
She also had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and enjoyed sharing stories about the many animals she cared for over the years.
Roxie is survived by her children, Rachel A. Nydam and her husband Jonathan, and Daryl J. Plantinga and his wife Karen, all of Northbridge; her sister, Karleen Mohn and her husband Charlie of Mendon; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Glen and Helena Bloem, Harold and Barbara Plantinga, and Earl Wielsma and the late Karen Wielsma.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kevin Nydam and his wife Meaghan, Lydia Arsenault and her husband Jake, and Kyle and Claire Plantinga; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Haven and Abel Nydam, and Jane and Mia Arsenault. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Roxie’s love for her family was unwavering, and her gentle spirit, faith, and generosity will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 14th, at 11:00 AM at the Buma Funeral Home, located in 480 Church Street in Whitinsville.
Burial will be private.
