Barbara Brown Pressly

May 13, 1937 – April 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Brown Pressly, who died peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the age of 87.

Barbara was born on May 13, 1937, and grew up in River Forest, Illinois, where she developed her lifelong love of learning and community. She was the daughter of Dr. C. David Brown and Ester Brown Hougen, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her sister, Betty Jo Mayeske.

Barbara’s proudest legacy was her family. She is survived by her former husband, George B. Pressly, and their three children and six grandchildren: Patti Bradbury and her husband, Craig, along with Patti’s children, Steven Place and Jenna Haywood Place; George Pressly, Jr., and his sons, Alec and Benjamin Pressly; and Robert Pressly and his wife, Amy, and their children, Vince and Alex Marinelli.

In addition to her deep devotion to family, Barbara served her community with quiet determination and grace throughout a public service career spanning more than 35 years. She represented the City of Nashua as an Alderman and the State of New Hampshire as both a State Representative and State Senator.

Barbara made a lasting contribution to land conservation, both statewide and locally. As a state legislator, she authored and successfully enacted landmark legislation that enabled cities and towns to establish conservation funds supported by revenue from the development of large open parcel spaces. This legislation laid the groundwork for a statewide movement in land conservation–resulting in over 90,000 acres of municipally owned and protected land across New Hampshire as of 2019. Later, in her role as alderman, she helped guide the implementation of these efforts in Nashua, where her leadership helped preserve nearly 900 acres of open space, including the Terrell Homestead and Southwest Conservation Areas.

Barbara was also deeply involved in Nashua’s years-long effort to secure local control of its water supply, which culminated in the city’s purchase of Pennichuck Water Works in 2012. She helped rally public support, testified before the Public Utilities Commission, and even purchased a share of Pennichuck stock to ensure she had a voice at shareholder meetings. Her persistence helped protect the region’s water rights for generations to come.

Barbara was also steadfast in her opposition to long-term plans for a toll booth on the F.E. Everett Turnpike between Nashua and the Massachusetts border. Alongside other like-minded advocates, she resisted persistent pressure from state agencies, fellow legislators, and special interest groups, firmly believing that tolls would harm the accessibility and character of the city. Rather than confront the issue publicly and directly, she skillfully delayed and redirected conversations, allowing time–and shifting priorities–to render the proposals moot. It was one of the many subtle but meaningful ways she helped protect the interests of her community with quiet determination.

Barbara was known for her warmth, intelligence, and steady resolve. She had many passions, including antiques, jewelry, and hosting gatherings that brought people together. She touched the lives of many, and her spirit will live on in all who had the joy of knowing her.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held at Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, NH, on April 25, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at the same location. Friends and family are invited to join. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army, 1 Montgomery Ave, Nashua, NH in “memory of Barbara Pressly” to either its website at www.salvationarmyusa.org, or by phone at 1-800 728-7825. An online guestbook is available www.davisfuneralhomenh.com The Davis Funeral Home (603)883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”