Holliston-

Barbara Elizabeth (Giles) Praetsch, 81, of Holliston, died Saturday, September 6, 2008. She was the wife of the late Roland R. Praetsch also of Holliston. Born in Ithaca, NY, the daughter of the late Sydney and Agnes Giles. She had been a Holliston resident for 36 years and worked with handicapped children in Needham, was a switchboard operator, and Holliston school cafeteria worker. First and foremost, she was a wonderful mother. Her interests ranged from bowling, bridge, crosswords, their garden, taking care of her grandchildren and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daugher, Nancy B. Mazzenga and her husband Gerald A. of Holliston, her 2 sons, Roland R. Praetsch Jr. and his wife Jane of Wrentham, Steven Praetsch and his wife Jeanne of Holliston. She had a sister and two brothers, the late Elsie Howarth, the late Sydney Giles Jr. both of Ithaca, NY, and her surviving brother Paul Dorn Giles of Belmont, NY; 11 grandchildren, Barbara and her husband Dean of Holliston, Ann, Jeremy, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Nathan, Molly, Chris, Erin, Ashley and Trevor; five great-grandchildren, Matthew, John, Victoria, Caleb and Aidan.

Calling hours will be at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. (RT. 16) . www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from 4-6p.m. followed by a 6:30p.m. service at the First Baptist Church of Holliston on High St. officiated by Rev. Batten. Following the service, a reception will follow in the church hall In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Activities Fund of the Timothy Daniels Skilled Nursing Facility, 84 Elm St. Holliston, MA. 01746.