Barbara A. Stella

Barbara A. Stella, 86, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, with her 3 children and son-in-law by her side.  She was born on May 28, 1937 in Boston MA to Sarah (Sadie) Mahoney and Cornelius P. Mahoney.

As a child Barbara could be found climbing trees and sledding down hills in the Arnold Arboretum.  In 1959 she met and fell in love with her husband, Carmen, and were married for 52 years.   They raised their 3 children Barbara Ann, John Michael and Ann-Marie in Bedford MA.   

Barbara enjoyed many interests including swimming in her family pool and the ocean, ice skating, bowling, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.  Together Barbara and Carmen enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, traveling to their favorite destinations Cape Cod, Ogunquit, Aruba and shared a strong faith in God.

In 1978, Barbara became a Mary Kay Consultant and excelled in her ability to connect with women, educate and help them feel and look beautiful.   She became a Mary Kay Director and over 42 years with Mary Kay, Barbara achieved awards including the “Triple Star of Excellence”, “Circle of Gold” and “Ladder of Success” numerous times over her career.  In 1982 the highlight of her career was flying to Dallas, TX to be crowned, #1 National Queen of Sales for the Emerald Division, on stage with Mary Kay Ash herself and a surprise guest, her husband Carmen.     

Barbara was the devoted wife of the late Carmen J. Stella, loving mother of Barbara Ann of North Chelmsford, John Michael of Bedford, Ann-Marie Snelson and her husband Brian of Chelmsford, beloved grandmother to Gina Grammel and her husband Christopher, Carley Lange and her husband Kyle and Thomas Snelson.  Sister-in-law to John A. Stella, sister to Cornelius J. Mahoney and Mary Lynch and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 10:00 AM.

 Visitation at Bedford Funeral Home on Monday, February 19, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org

Family wishes to extend their gratitude to the loving and compassionate caregivers and staff at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and Artis Senior Living.