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Barbara Hawes Obituary

HAWES, Barbara A. Of Needham and Long Lake, NY, passed from this life after a long illness at the age of 60. Barbara worked passionately and tirelessly for nearly 40 years promoting quality, meaningful lives for people with disabilities. She oversaw the conversion of 9 institutions into integrated community-based services for thousands of individuals with disabilities throughout New York State. She was the former Deputy Commissioner of New York State Office of Mental Retardation, former Director of Sunmount Developmental Center in Tupper Lake, NY, and former Principal at Seaside Regional Center in New London, CT. She had an exceptional academic background with a Bachelor's Degree from Connecticut College and 3 Master's Degrees from University of Connecticut and Syracuse University. Barbara loved traveling, the arts, and collectibles. Beloved daughter of Mary (Morrissey) Hawes of Needham and the late Col. Robert Hawes. Sister of Robert Hawes, Jr. of Charleston, SC, Mary Hawes Mahoney of Sudbury, Philip Hawes of Potomac, MD, Richard Hawes of Chatham, NY and the late Thomas Hawes. Devoted aunt to 12 nieces and nephews and 1 grandnephew. Longtime friend and guardian of Nils Howard of Pawcatuk, CT. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., (exit 19B off Rt 128), NEEDHAM, Saturday at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in St Joseph's Church, Needham at 10 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Friday, 4-8. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Needham. For directions and guestbook, visit: www.gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Needham 781-444-0687

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Andrea Melton

November 12, 2008

Barbara was a wonderful woman, and was very dedicated to a great advocate for her mother. She will be missed. My sorrow to Mary and her family.

Pamela Phillips

November 12, 2008

Barbara provided the staff of Sumount and the citizens of the Adirondacks with the ultimate model of a person living the principles of human service. I consider myself very fortunate to have benefited from her example. My condolences to all her family and friends.

Mary Richer

November 12, 2008

My condolences to the family of Barbara Hawes. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Hawes at Sunmount until her retirement. She truly was an advocate for people with developmental disabilities and she will be sorely missed.

Denise Pensky

November 12, 2008

I worked for Barbara for many years and there was not a day that I was not in awe of her leadership and commitment on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. She helped shape the OMRDD system of community services and it was my honor to have her as a supervisor and friend. The world will miss her energy and most of all, her smile.

Diane Cardiff

November 11, 2008

Barbara was a true advocate for persons with disabilities. She was a very intelligent woman. She worked tirelessly to make positive changes in the service delivery system. I was glad to have the opportunity to know her and work for her.

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