January 24, 2023

Volunteer/Donor Profile: Barbara Lobdell of Wolfeboro

Whether volunteering for Granite VNA, Great Waters Music Festival, Kingswood Youth Center or other local organizations, Barbara Lobdell is always on the go and always eager to help.

Barbara began volunteering with Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice (now Granite VNA) roughly 28 years ago. Over the years, Barbara has given her time and energy to countless important initiatives including the Tree of Memories (now Lights, Life and Memories) campaign and the Passion for Caring cocktail event. She is an active member of the Development Committee, and she is an integral member of the planning committee for the 2023 Hospice Home & Garden Tour.

“I believe in the organizations I volunteer for, and I believe in their causes,” said Barbara. “I had a very positive experience with Granite VNA when my husband was ill. His clinicians were outstanding. They were always very helpful and very caring.” 

The Lakes Region population explodes in the summer months, and like many residents, Barbara used to spend winter months in Florida, but now resides in Wolfeboro year-round. She recognizes that fewer people in the months between September and May means fewer volunteers. Luckily for Granite VNA, Barbara believes in stepping-up to help whenever she can.

Over Barbara’s many years as volunteer she estimates she has dedicated ‘hundreds of hours’ to the annual Hospice Home & Garden Tour, which returns to Wolfeboro on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, after a three-year hiatus. The popular event draws hundreds of people to the Lakes Region to tour beautiful homes and gardens and to support Granite VNA.

“We’ve had a good turnout over the years and a wonderful group of volunteers who do everything from directing traffic at the various homes to being docents or guides within the homes,” Barbara said. “There are many beautiful homes in Wolfeboro. Some are on the water and some are situated throughout town.”

She says the committee tries to include a home directly on Lake Winnipesaukee on the tour each year, but it doesn’t always happen.

Barbara has traditionally handled publicity or the tour, taking photos of the homes and gardens, interviewing homeowners and writing and submitting articles to the local papers to promote the event.

Barbara is not only a tireless volunteer, but her commitment to serving extends to all aspects of her life. During her career as educator, she retired on three separate occasions after twice returning to help her school navigate transitional periods.

Granite VNA is extremely fortunate and grateful to have volunteers and donors like Barbara, who are helpful, caring and dedicated to helping us to fulfill our mission to serve residents throughout 82 New Hampshire communities.