Barbara Francis CHERUBINI

CHERUBINI, Barbara Francis (Agbay) In remembrance of Barbara Francis (Agbay) Cherubini.

May 14, 1939-March 1, 2025

A beloved mother, wife, sister, entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away peacefully and surrounded by adoring family, at home in Florida, March 1, 2025, after a remarkable demonstration of endurance and strength in her fight with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Worcester, MA, to Albert and Nancy Agbay, Barbara (also known as "Babs") grew up in a home busy with family and friends, centered around Lebanese and Italian food. She was the cherished sister to Judy and Albert. Barbara's grandmother, Giulia, was a guiding influence for Barbara, instilling in her a deep sense of family values, a tireless work ethic and a passion for feeding and caring for others.

Barbara's path to success began when she attended Regis College, then worked at Arthur D. Little, to help create Wink, the original version of a Fresca-like beverage. On an evening out with girlfriends at Pete's Pub in Boston, Barbara met future husband and love of her life, Julian. In 1970, they founded AliMed, a medical supply company born from their shared vision to "help people help people." While Julian leveraged his multiple degrees to rethink ways in which to address the needs of caregivers and patients, Barbara implemented a family-business mindset and spent many late nights stuffing envelopes with mailers and stitching knee braces. They moved the business out of the basement of their South End apartment, to offices in Chinatown and ultimately to Dedham (where the company is currently located), employing over 200.

Barbara and Julian raised two daughters, Nicole and Alexandra. As a mother, Barbara was a constant source of love, support and guidance. She created a home where family came first, just as her mother and grandmother had done before her. Through the unconditional love and support Barbara provided, she passed on her work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, fashion sense and food infused with love and joy. She taught them both to truly savor their lives offered, seeking pleasure in all they chose to do.

Barbara was the embodiment of style and grace. Her love of fashion was constantly on display and she forever looked fabulous curating elegant and timeless ensembles. Travel was one of her greatest joys and of all the places she visited, Morocco, it's incredible history of craft and its exceptional cuisine held a special place in her heart. Barbara loved boxing and ballroom dancing, taking lessons well-into the late stages of her life. After receiving her Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998, Barbara became deeply involved in the Parkinson's community. She focused her efforts in supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and other neurological research programs, including Massachusetts General Hospital. Later in life, Barbara founded the Barbara & Julian Cherubini Foundation, where she continued to focus on Parkinson's research and the arts.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Alexandra and Nicole Cherubini; her grandchildren, Malachi Bosch and Roma Josephine; and her son-in-law, Camilo Alvarez. Her legacy of love, joy, and determination will live on, in all who were fortunate enough to have had their lives enriched by knowing her. She will forever be remembered as a woman of style, grace, brilliance, determination and extraordinary strength. Barbara was the embodiment of style and grace. She will be forever missed.

A party in Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held in Boston, on Sunday, June 8, 2025. For more information, please contact cherubinimemorial@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, in memory of Barbara Cherubini. Donations can be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, at 111 West 33rd Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or via michaeljfox.org/donate