Barbara O'Brien Geer

July 19, 1924 — June 28, 2021

Barbara O'Brien Geer, 1924 - 2021

Barbara O'Brien Geer died peacefully in Bennington on June 28, 2021, at the end of a long life. She and her late husband, Dan Geer, lived for nearly sixty years at Mt. Anthony Seminary in Old Bennington.
Barbara's interests were her family, many close friends, and her community, as well as politics at a local, state, and national level. For many years she was an active member of the League of Women Voters, which sponsored candidate forums and moderated the first presidential debates. She was also a member of the Beyond War group, an organization that promoted world peace and held meetings, forums, and discussion groups in many locations.
At the local level, Barbara served as a trustee of the Village of Old Bennington, as well as the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission. She was also on the Board of Directors of the Mt. Anthony Preservation Society (MAPS). In the 1980s Barbara was a teacher in the Adult Basic Education Program; for eight years she taught literacy and English as a second language, and helped students prepare for the GED exam to earn a high school diploma. She worked to combine the Basic Education Program with the Tutorial Center in Bennington, and served as a member of the original Board of Directors. In addition, for sixteen years Barbara was employed as secretary to Dr. James M. Toolan in Bennington.
In later years Barbara's health did not allow her to participate further in work or community activities, but she enjoyed spending time with her family, her many friends, and her three longtime caregivers. She was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and continued to follow politics in Vermont and in the nation.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Geer, her son-in-law Philip LaFollette, her granddaughter Emily Arkin and husband Chris Braiotta, her grandson Jonathan Geer Arkin, and eight nieces and nephews: Quin O'Brien, Carrie McPhee, David O'Brien, Megan Leelman, Loraine Pratt Nelson, Chris Pratt Whitaker, Howard Pratt, and John Pratt, Jr. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Danforth Geer III, and her daughter Kathryn Geer Knights.
Donations in Barbara's memory may be made to the Vermont Foodbank through the E.P. Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

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Barbara O'Brien Geer

July 19, 1924 — June 28, 2021

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