Photo courtesy of George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville
Somerville, Massachusetts
Aug 3, 1939 – Apr 7, 2025
Barbara J. Synan, of Somerville passed away on April 7, 2025. She was 85. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen (Hanlon) Whalen. She was the beloved wife of 58 years of the late James M. Synan. Loving mother of James (Colleen) of Leland, NC, Denise of Wakefield and Michael (Donna) of Lexington. She was a loving grandmother to her 4 grandchildren, Timothy (Jessie), Kerry, Christopher and Jennifer. She is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren, Atticus, Faith and Daniel. She was the devoted sister of John of CT, Francis of Groveland and Lawrence of Somerville and the late Patricia Gosine, Helen Haneffant and James Whalen. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Barbara spent her entire life in Somerville and most of it on Walnut Rd. She enjoyed many lifelong friendships from growing up and later returning to Walnut Rd, attending St Anne’s grammar school and St. Joseph High School. Barbara retired from the Somerville School Department and had been the secretary at the Capuano School for many years and had many friendships from those years. For the last few years Barbara had lived at the VNA Senior Living apartments in Somerville and greatly enjoyed the new friendships with her fellow residents as well as the staff who created an inclusive and enjoyable environment. Her final months were spent at the Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester and Barbara’s family would like to thank the staff who showed her great kindness and compassion.
Barbara greatly enjoyed family gatherings, and often spoke fondly of the old multi-generational Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving Night gatherings. She also greatly enjoyed road trips to the casinos, and with her beloved husband Jim would also scour every mall and store looking for a bargain. She will be missed by many.
All services were private.
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Mothers are very special people. Mothers truly have an irreplaceable role in shaping lives and spreading love. The love they share with their children and family is boundless. My condolences to the Synan family.
Paul Gucciardi
October 01, 2025 | Medford, MA | Friend
Dear Jim, Denise and Mike, along with John, Frank and Larry, I am so sad to learn of Barbara's passing, she was such a Dear Person. I'm pleased that Joyce and I were able to join her for her annual St. Patrick Day family dinners. We had so much fun and enjoyed talking about our family history in Newfoundland. May God Bless Barbara and her Family.
Mike Hanlon
April 13, 2025 | Watertown, MA | Family
To the Synan and Whalen Families, I’m so very sorry for your loss, Barbara was a wonderful, caring and funny person, and I will miss her dearly, but I am happy to know that she and Jim are together again. Rest in peace ❤
Betty Synan
April 12, 2025 | Seabrook, NH
My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Synan family for the loss of your mother.
She was a very special lady,with a great heart, great sense of humor & generous spirit.May God be good to her.
Mary Boyle
April 11, 2025 | Medford, MA
Please feel free to join us for a Celebration of Life in Loving Memory of Barbara J. Synan. All are welcome!
Jim Synan
April 11, 2025 | Leland, NC | Family
BARBARA WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE FOR YEARS. BARBARA WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE ST ANN'S MOTHERS GUILD HELPING TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL TO REMAIN OPEN. SHE WORKED HARD WITH OTHER MOTHERS AND WE HAD FUN AND DEVELOPED GREAT FRIENDSHIPS. I ENJOYED WORKING WITH BARBARA AND WILL MISS HER MY FRIEND. WITH PRAYERS AND MY SINCERE SYMPATHY, LOVE FRANCINE.
FRANCINE SAHLAS
April 10, 2025 | Somerville/Medford, MA | Friend
Barbara was such a sweetheart and joy to work with. Loved her and her wry sense of humor. She was so proud of her family, especially her grandchildren whom she spoke fondly about. Rest in peace dear angel, you are now together with your beloved Jim.
Susan Collins
April 10, 2025 | Derry, NH | Friend
It was such a pleasure to work with Barbara at the Capuano Early Childhood Center. She always had a good sense of humor and enjoyed the kids. She will be missed.
Meghan Kimmel
April 10, 2025 | Stoneham, MA | Coworker
Barbara was the lovely matriarch of Walnut Road❤ My sincerest sympathies to all her family. Mary Harrington
Mary Harrington
April 10, 2025 | Chelmsford, MA | Friend
