Barbara A Walsh

Barbara A. Walsh slipped away peacefully early on November 10 while listening to stories about the great joyful gathering that would certainly greet her in Heaven. She was a true believer and her family wishes her joy and everlasting peace on her latest magnificent travel adventure.

Barbara grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts and was a life-long champion of her beloved city. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Edgar P. and Katherine M. (Cosgrove) Walsh, sister Claire J. Gaudet and brother-in-law Thomas Gaudet, and brother William H. and sister-in-law Mary A. (Marsh) Walsh Messina. Barbara was an aunt to the late Thomas J. Gaudet, Jr..

Barbara was adored and survived by the families of her nieces: Katherine M. Walsh, Topsfield, MA, Elizabeth A. Swindell, Danvers, MA, Eileen M. Zimmerman, Stratham, NH, Maura G. May, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, Carole Gaudet, Woodstock, VT, and her nephews: William D. Walsh, Peabody, MA, and Daniel P. Walsh, Danvers, MA

Auntie Barbie leaves 18 grandnieces and grandnephews, and 3 great-grandnieces who she truly enjoyed watching grow up. She read countless stories to them, with only one rule: she staunchly refused to read Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

A graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1946, and the former Chandler School for Women, Class of 1947, Barbara became a proud and dedicated legal secretary to Senator Charles V. Hogan and Mr. David Warden. She developed many efficient life-long habits while working at the law offices of these fine attorneys.

Barbie adored her family and many wonderful friends. She loved to have a good time. She had a beautiful infectious laugh! Barbie was not “at home on the range” and after a long week of being “up on her dogs” and “banging away on the typewriter” she enjoyed daily lunch at the Capitol Diner, and weekend dining and travel escapades with Ro, Lois, Mary, and Betty. They made frequent trips to favorite restaurants, Hawthorne By the Sea, Porthole Pub, Brigham’s, Connelly’s Candy, and the Tides. Cheers ladies, and remember, “you cannot fly on one wing!”

Barbara was a devoted communicant of St. Pius V Church, Lynn, MA where she was also a member of the Sodality for many years. Special thanks go to Father Bob and Father Godfrey for their support and prayers together with Barbie.

Barbara enjoyed calling Putnam Farm in Danvers her home for over seven years. She and her family deeply appreciated the daily attentive care and kindness of the Putnam farm caregivers and staff. We are forever grateful for Barbie’s time with you.

The nurses and caregivers of Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore, have all been wonderfully kind and supportive of Barbie and her family. Your dedicated service provides sensitive support, peace, and comfort to patients and their families. Thank you very kindly.

We love you Barbie! We will always remember you and we will think of you often and with great fondness. Thank you for being a “really fun” aunt who took us shopping for excellent birthday presents, hid fabulous Easter baskets, supported every single school event, and taught us to love walking the beach! Most of all, you reminded us to travel, enjoy life, and to keep on making new friends. We all wish you peace, dear Barbie. XO. Words to live by from Barbie: Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe.

Godspeed, Auntie Barbie.

The family will welcome guests Monday, November 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Cuffe- McGinn Funeral Home, Lynn, Massachusetts. With a service in the funeral home to follow at 11. Burial following service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn, Massachusetts. If it is in your heart to make a donation in memory of Barbara, please consider, please consider the Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the Greater Lynn Senior Services, Meals On Wheels, 8 Silsbee Street, Lynn, MA 01901