Michael E. Barlow, 72, of Westborough, Massachusetts died on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 at Blaire House of Worcester in Worcester, MA. Michael was born on Feb. 2, 1948 in Sanford, Maine and was the son of the late Helen and Earle Barlow of East Boothbay, ME.

After graduating from high school in Boothbay Harbor, ME, Michael attended Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont.

Michael moved to Boston and eventually became the shipper at the Barnes and Noble Boston University Bookstore where he worked for 35 years before retiring.

Living in Boston without a car, Michael became an expert at navigating public transportation in the city and suburbs, benefitting from his love of maps.

Michael enjoyed travel and made two trips to the Netherlands to attend the marriage of his sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Arnold van der Lee in 1985 and to visit his newborn niece Jeanette van der Lee in 1993.

He especially enjoyed a trip to England and Wales. While in Great Britain, Michael purchased topographical maps so that he could visit the site where a favorite book, “Watership Down,” was set. To his delight, he encountered rabbits there.

Michael met his future wife, Jeanine Mindrum at Arlington Street Church in Boston. Together they enjoyed both quiet and spirited conversations and long walks. They shared a love of books and spent many happy hours reading together and visiting bookstores. Vacations in Ogunquit, ME allowed them to combine reading, walking along the Marginal Way and enjoying the ocean. They spent 25 loving years together.

Michael was a kind and very wise person who was quick to forgive and who loved to laugh. He found creative ways to weave his knowledge of meditation and Buddhist philosophy into his daily life, making life so interesting for anyone who joined him on the journey.

Michael is survived by his wife Jeanine Mindrum of Westborough, MA, his brother, Christopher Barlow of Braintree, MA, his brother-in-law, Arnold van der Lee of Bilthoven, the Netherlands and his niece, Jeanette van der Lee of Utrecht, the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his parents Earle and Helen Barlow and sister Catherine van der Lee-Barlow.

Michael’s family expresses gratitude for the kind, loving care he received at Blaire House of Worcester.

An online memorial service will be held on Nov. 28 2020 for family and friends.