Barbara A. D'Arcangelo

Barbara A. (Conroy) D'Arcangelo,78,of Southborough died Monday, Dec.26 at the Medway Country Manor. Barbara is pre-deceased by her father John Conroy and her mother Anna Mae (Brady) Conroy. Barbara is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, James A. D'Arcangelo, and her four children and their spouses, Anna May Feige and her spouse Timothy Feige, Diane D'Arcangelo, James A. D'Arcangelo, Jr. and Geraldine O'Connor, and Debra A. D'Arcangelo and Edward Dippold Ill. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Kevin Feige, Lauren Feige, Matthew Feige, Alaina D'Arcangelo, James A. D'Arcangelo Ill, and Chase D'Arcangelo. Barbara was blessed with two great-granddaughters and one great grandson. Barbara graduated from Roslindale High School in 1951 and attended Boston Teachers College. She worked briefly for the First National Bank of Boston before dedicating her life to her husband and family. It is said the funniest jokes and the soundest counsel are best delivered with the softest human touch. So it was with Barbara D'Arcangelo who embraced, in words, deeds and humor, all who had the pleasure to meet her, though always placing the guidance and success of her children above all, especially herself. Barbara loved to entertain and be entertained. She enjoyed singing (if only to her family) and in her youth she was quite the dancer. Her love of old-time, new-time (any time) movies and soap operas influenced Barbara and her renowned story-telling. And her long-time friends' get-togethers, on random Friday nights, were celebrations. Laughter and jokes flowed, but, more so, the resulting deep caring created a life example for her children. Barbara's selfless giving was inherited, and welcomed fully, from her beloved mother Anna Mae. While Barbara opened her heart to all, it was her husband and children who were the fortunate primary benefactors. Barbara believed that education and hard-work were the greatest gifts she could impart, and she did just that, and then some. Partnering with her husband, Jim, to sacrifice to make it possible, all four of her children attended Catholic or private schools, and then earned degrees from top undergraduate and graduate schools. Of course, Barbara passed along her joy of life, fierce loyalty, and goal attainment as well. She taught her children to "find a way" through creative persistence, and they knew she was always right there with them. Traits wrapped in her soft touch, Barbara shared these gifts with her six grandchildren as well. Just as she would feel and reflect at the end of one of her favorite movies, we can't help but be deeply moved, wiser, and uplifted for having been part of Barbara's life. Funeral will be held Friday Dec. 30 at 9 A.M. from the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main St., Marlborough with Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Road, Southborough. Burial to follow in Rural Cemetery, Southborough. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday 6 to 8 P.M.