Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Agresti Obituary
Barbara Ann Agresti of Evanston Illinois passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on December 6, 2019 in Providence, after a struggle with cancer. She was born January 22, 1967, in Providence RI, to her affectionate parents Florence Rose Agresti and Ernest Nicholas Agresti. She is pre-deceased by her father, who she missed dearly and has now joined.
Barbara leaves behind her husband Henry (Hank) Adams and three adoring sons, Nicholas, Peter and Luca. She is survived by three siblings of which she is the youngest: Lisa Cummings of Narragansett, RI; Mary-Ann Agresti of Yarmouth Port, MA; and Ernest Agresti Jr. of Swampscott, MA.
Barbara attended St Mary's Academy Bay View, in East Providence. She was a proud member of the class of 1985, where she was elected president of the student body her senior year.
After graduating from Brown University in 1990 with a BA in English, she worked at the Public Interest Office at Harvard Law School. This was followed by a position in Washington, DC where Barbara served as one of the founding program officers at the then newly formed Corporation for National Service, the federal agency that helped launch the AmeriCorps national service program. Her passion to help others brought her next to New York City where she worked as the Vice President of Grant Coordination for the Echoing Green Foundation.
In 1998, after a festive wedding in Rhode Island, Barbara made her home in Evanston, Illinois with Hank, beginning a life together and adding three sons to their family. She became very involved in her sons' schools and was devoted to raising them as compassionate, respectful young men.
Even with the distance, she was forever drawn back to Rhode Island. She grew up spending summers along the Kickemuit River in Touisett (Warren) Rhode Island and still returned there every summer with her family to share the joy that the river and ocean gave her.
She is predeceased by her grand parents: Henry and Mary Rose; and Severino and Natalie Agresti, all of East Providence, RI. Her family extends to many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Manning Chapel, Brown University, Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's name can be made to HopeHealth [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Agresti
Sponsored by Rebello Funeral Home & Crematory.
Abby Miller
December 14, 2020
Dear family and loved ones of Barbara,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this anniversary. Every moment I spent with Barbara was a treasure. Her love and goodness are ever present.
sending you all love,
Abby Miller
December 20, 2019
My Condolences To The Family;
I'm so sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.
Yvonne Moore
December 19, 2019
To Barbara family...I'm am so sorry.You have my deepest condolences. What a beautiful person.I will continue to pray for your family.Rest in heaven
December 19, 2019
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
December 19, 2019
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
December 17, 2019
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones who passed away in death . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .
Kristen Saranteas
December 13, 2019
We are so sorry to learn of Barb's passing. She was such a vibrant member of our book club for a number of years. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
Chrissy Rose Barlow
December 13, 2019
As the youngest cousin without any sisters, Barb was a role model for me. I grew up with her in the summers sharing a house, watched her head off to college, and then a career in public service that I admired. Watching her take on changing the world with ease made me think a young lady could do anything she wanted. She taught me practical life lessons (like sometimes you have to hide your toilet paper under the bed from your housemates) and lifelong lessons (like you never get back those first 6 months with your children). She got me my first DC internship at the Corporation for National Service and was the first woman who taught me how to network by seating me with her foundation colleagues at her wedding. She taught me what it means to be a feminist and how to raise kind and caring children. She celebrated lifes milestones by passing down family heirlooms and sending notes of encouragement. She was that special cousin to me and how we both loved sharing our special Touisset together. I will miss my unannounced coffee walks in the summer and calling down to come join us for pie. In every magnatile building that is light up with an LED candle, my girls will see your smile. Ill remember you (as in this picture) driving off on your boat smiling into our favorite sunset. Rest peacefully Barb, you lived a bountiful life filled with love
Sherline Rhaburn
December 12, 2019
Barb was truly a great individual, whenever I have a problem I go to her and she would always have a positive advice for me and make it all better, I admit her for the strength she possesses, she's truly a strong women, she's loving, caring and very intelligent person and most of all she's a wonder mother and a loving wife. My deepest condolences to her entire family and just know that you are all in my prayers.
Eugenia Gomez-Escobar
December 12, 2019
Thinking of you, Nick. Stay strong.
Abrazos,
Mrs Gomez-Escobar
our joyous ride with the lake as our companion
Abby Miller
December 11, 2019
Barbara possessed an infectious sparkle. Her keen intellect, gracious heart, steely strength and vivacious curiosity fill a million smiles in my heart. Late in October this past autumn, I invited Barbara to join me in a late night scooter ride along Lake Michigan. There was solitude and singing and joy.
Todd Blount
December 11, 2019
I found this 'one of a kind' picture of Barb. She always wanted to try what everyone else was doing, and NEVER wanted me to assume she would not want to do it OR could not do it! This was Fly Fishing at night in a NH lake!
Todd Blount
December 11, 2019
Barb was more than special. I met her at UVM, but quickly realized we had so much in common being from RI, and similar high schools. That first year at UVM (1985) set a great basis for a long friendship and the larger network of friends we both made in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with all the friends and families.
Wendy King-Hernandez
December 11, 2019
Barbara was a great gal in high school. RIP .
JoAnne Heyer
December 10, 2019
Hank and family- I am so sorry for your loss. I was in a bookclub with Barbara years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed her straight-forward, strong opinioned, intellectual self. She was an incredible woman!
JoAnne Heyer
Susan Candelmo Daley
December 10, 2019
Agresti Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. I knew Barbara at Bay View and she always embodied such grace and kindness. She was a true gem!
Prayers to all of your family during this most difficult time.
Eric Cohen
December 10, 2019
From Stacey and me: Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I have had my own battles with cancer and if there is anything I can do please let me know.
Eric Wasowicz
December 10, 2019
Hank and family,
You are in our prayers at this most difficult time.
Eric Wasowicz
Katie Flynn BV '86
December 10, 2019
Thinking of your families at this time. Barbara was one of Bay View's finest people. She was caring, genuine and kind always looking out for others. Wonderful memories of her.
Lori Bassett
December 10, 2019
My sincere condolences. Barbara and I worked together back in the 80's, we were stewardesses on a small cruise ship that went from Warren to Quebec. We were so young but had so much fun. We snuck out one night with some of our crewmates and took the skiff for a ride. Looking back it was a pretty silly decision, but we really had a good time. I hope she had many other memorable times throughout her life, she was such a sweet person.
Jeanne Johnson
December 10, 2019
So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing . My condolences to the Agresti family. I will miss talking with Barbara every summer.She was beautiful women inside and out.
Michael Rose
December 9, 2019
My cousin Barbara lost her battle with cancer. Being the same age, we attended elementary school together. We spent summer time together at the beach house and had a great times. In fact you always remember when something of importance happened. I will never forget, I was with her sitting at the beach house table when the word "Elvis" had passed away. Barbara always helped with school work as well as adolescent social issues. She was truly an inspirational person, extremely strong minded, intelligent and caring. She leaves behind 3 beautiful children and husband. Never in my life did I EVER hear say a negative thing about anyone or anything. My only regret is that I was unable to see you before you passed. I love you Barbara....and I am sorry this happened to you.
Sun rising on Barbara's home Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Leslie Andrade
December 9, 2019
Never was officially summer until I had my first dinner of the season with Barbara and caught up. Each year we grew closer as we realized we faced many of the same challenges and passions. I will always picture her driving the Whaler, with the sun on her face, the wind in her hair --on her way to Star Island in search of sea glass!
I know she knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and rejoice in our shared faith. While I will miss her on earth, I know I will share eternity with her. God definitely welcomed her with open arms and I am sure she heard "well done my good and faithful servant".
The sun seemed to rise right over her house just the other day, and each time I see it, I remember the conversation we had about how she always saw the sunset from her home and I the sunrise from mine. She asked I send a photo of the sunrise one in awhile to her. Here is one last photo for you Barbara.
Antoinette Goncalves
December 9, 2019
To the Agresti Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences. Toni Goncalves of EP now in Maine.
Barbara,Peter and Luca❤
Tommy Rose
December 9, 2019
My Beautiful Amazing Cousin always gonna miss our talks our fun times in Touisett Boating, Relaxing, Tubing Most of all Enjoying it all.... You always had a bright side to every situation... You found a way to make every ones day better.... Thank You So Much for all the great memories... You will be Dearly Miss Especially that Warm Loving Smile ..... Much Love Respect Always Until Are together again Love Always Cousin Tommy
December 9, 2019
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Tom and Mary Jane sheridan
The Ormsbys
December 9, 2019
We loved her dearly Emmet always kept her as a daughter. Forever doughnut Friday's Emmet and Nancy ormsby
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Agresti's name
Memorial Events
for Barbara Agresti
Funeral services provided by:
Rebello Funeral Home & Crematory901 Broadway, East Providence, RI 02914
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Agresti's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
