1927 - 2026
Barbara was born on November 28, 1927, in Lowell, MA. Within months of her birth, she entered the foster care system, spending time between home placements in orphanages. At nine years old, she joined what would become her permanent foster home in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. She was educated in the Turners Falls school system and, after graduating, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from North Adams State College. It was there, during a production of H.M.S. Pinafore, that she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Matthews. The two were married in 1953.
Barbara began her career as an elementary school teacher before stepping away to raise her growing family. She later returned to education, teaching in the Title I program at Woodrow Wilson School in Framingham.
Music remained a constant thread throughout her life. Barbara always enjoyed music, playing the snare drum in her high school marching band, and singing in the choir both at school and in church. While raising eight children and later helping care for grandchildren, she and Bill were active members of St. Jeremiah Parish in Framingham, singing in the choir and participating in musical productions. She proudly supported her husband at public events during his tenure as principal of Potter Road School in Framingham. At home, she found joy in knitting, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku.
After Bill’s passing, Barbara moved to the Willows Retirement Community in Westborough. She quickly became involved, serving as Floor Representative for the Willows Residents Association for several years before later becoming President. In retirement, she embraced cultural outings, travel excursions, musical performances, card games, and BINGO.
Barbara was a devoted mother to her eight children: Margaret Grady (Stafford) of Pacifica, California; William F. Matthews (Deborah) of Rochester, Vermont; Katherine Nichols (Robert) of Mystic, Connecticut; Alice Gentili (Richard) of Upton; Joel Matthews (Patricia) of East Bridgewater; Paul Matthews (Lydia) of Aliso Viejo, California; David Matthews (Jayne) of Somerville; and James Matthews (Jennifer) of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Barbara took special joy in her fifteen grandchildren: Shannon Grady Matthews, Brendan Grady, Clare Grady Weaver, Jess Matthews Cotter, Mark Galante, Dylan Begin, Erica Bradshaw, Adam Matthews, Emily Matthews, Shayla Aguirre, Derek Matthews, Spencer Matthews, Rose Matthews, Hope Matthews, and Grace Matthews.
Barbara’s joy was multiplied in welcoming great-grandchildren: Danielle and William Matthews; Amelia and Mara Grady; Carter, Cole, Caela, Braeden, and Violet Galante; Gianna Ghazarian-Bradshaw, Josslyn Bradshaw, and Gemma Bradshaw; Jackson and Jacob Matthews; and Anistyn Aguirre.
She was predeceased by her husband, William W. Matthews; her grandson, Adam Matthews; and her son-in-law, Richard Begin.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, March 6, in the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
A funeral Mass for Barbara will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 7, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough. A private burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Rise Above, PO Box 174, Northbridge, MA 01534 https://weriseabove.org/, or other organizations of the donor’s choice.
