Barnard, Vermont

Priscilla Sadler Oakland, 87, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2016 surrounded by loved ones in Woodstock, VT.

Priscilla was born on August 5, 1928 in Providence RI, daughter of Charles and Olive (Sadler) Johnson. She grew up in South Attleboro, Mass, where her love of horses and the ocean began during summers in Touisset, RI at her maternal grandparents 2nd home. Priscilla graduated from the University of Vermont in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, and was headed for a degree in veterinary medicine until she was headed off by the love of her life, Joseph Oakland. Priscilla and Joe were married in February 1950.

Priscilla and Joe shared their love of horses and dogs and enjoyed frequent travel adventures with their sons and families. Joe and Priscilla fell in love with Barnard after several horseback-riding trips to the McLaughlin Farm and Gay Winds. In March 1958 they bought the 3 Century Farm on the North Road and moved with their twin boys from Rehoboth, Mass. They were immersed immediately in dairy farming, sugaring, breeding Saint Bernard dogs (or sinking yard dogs as the boys called them) and becoming full-fledged members of the Barnard community. Priscilla was a very active member of the Grange, the Barnard Progressive Club, the Barnard and Woodstock Union School Boards and was a great supporter of the Barnard Fire Department. For many years she organized a horse show in Barnard for the benefit of the fire department. Joe and Priscilla were always active and enthusiastic members of numerous organizations and events of the Barnard community.

Priscilla ran a popular kennel in Barnard and even though she couldn't always remember the names of all her dog owner customers, she always knew the names of their dogs. Priscilla and Joe spent vacations skiing in Colorado and Europe while visiting with their sons and families, as well as kayaking, rafting, fishing and horseback riding. Priscilla was also an accomplished knitter and made countless intricate sweaters and hats for family and friends.

Although Priscilla did not scuba dive, she was glad that the rest of her family did, because it brought them to many island locations where she was happy if there was a pool and a place to play scrabble with one of her daughters-in-law. Barbara Kelly and Milly and Vinnie D'Entremont often accompanied Priscilla and Joe on ski trips, and Milly and Vinnie traveled with Joe and Priscilla on many trips to Alaska, Washington State, Europe and annual trips to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A Barnard General Store regular, she could be found there every morning having coffee and a blueberry muffin and catching up on all the news with other locals.

Priscilla is survived by her twin sons, Dave (wife, Bobbie) who live in Germany; Don (wife, Jaki); grandsons, John and Joe (wife, Patty) and great grandson Thatcher, all from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as brothers-in-law, Lawrence Oakland and Richard (wife, Claudine) Oakland. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Joseph E Oakland.

A very special thank you to ALL the Woodstock Terrace staff, who showed her great love and kindness throughout her time as a resident, especially Gretchen Stoddard and Madison Dalton. Thank you to Krit Maxham who led sing-alongs and played many games with Priscilla in Barnard and at the Woodstock Terrace making her smile and laugh. Thank you also to Kim Furlong and Carolyn DiCicco from the Barnard General Store, who were caring and kind to her throughout the years they owned the store. Her family would also like to thank the staff of Bayada Hospice and especially Shay Miller. And finally we would like to thank all of her Barnard neighbors for their friendship throughout the years.

A celebration of Priscilla's life is planned on Wednesday April 20, 2016 at 2pm at the Barnard Town Hall. We look forward to sharing memories with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Barnard Fire Dept, P.O. Box 146, Barnard, VT 05031; Barnard Helping Hands PO Box 888, Barnard, VT 05031; Alzheimer's Association Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495; Bayada Hospice, 309 Main St., Norwich VT 05055; or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. Thank you to Greg Camp for his kind assistance.