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BARBARA CLEARY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for BARBARA CLEARY
Liz
June 19, 2025
Thinking of you and Michael on your birthday as we are preparing for the NSA conference. Always in our hearts and I hope Michael is doing ok. We miss him.
Tatiana Sandino
August 11, 2022
I am still in disbelief that Barbara passed away. She was such a positive, cheerful, and kind colleague. She brightened everyone's days. My heart goes to Michael (who I remember fondly from my conversations with Barbara) and to the rest of Barbara's family... May her kind and positive spirit live in you forever. We miss her and at the same time continue to cherish the moments we shared with her.
Kelley Scanlon
July 24, 2022
From all of your family in Syracuse, NY, our deepest condolences. We didn't get to see the Cleary's often, but we have good memories. I recently communicated with Barbara a few months ago through email and am sad that I won't be able to see her again.
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Michael Skocay
June 30, 2022
I worked with Barbara at HBS for six years and enjoyed so many lovely, witty conversations with her. She was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people on staff, always there to support coworkers and students.
She talked so fondly of her son, Michael, and was so incredibly proud of him!
Barbara will be missed dearly, and I hope her family knows the positive impact she had on those around her.
Nicollete Izakovic
June 29, 2022
I am very saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. She was so kind and a ray of light. I often spoke with her at the customer service counter at Harvard Business School. I remember the first time she noticed we had a candy basket and she was so excited :) She would visit to get candy and chat with me and others at the counter. Her smile brightened anyone's day. Thinking of Barbara and may she rest in peace. Thinking of her loved ones and all who knew Barbara.
Jeff Cronin
June 28, 2022
Lovely, lovely woman. I had the privilege of knowing her at HBS. I will miss her.
Erika McCaffrey
June 28, 2022
It was devastating to hear that Barbara is gone. Her bright light put out much too soon. Her spirit will live on through her wonderful son, Michael as well as her family. I met her through the HBS Green Team when she first came to HBS. She was a very hard working, energetic member of the team, always thinking of ways to reduce the HBS carbon footprint and volunteering for every event and project. She was smart, funny and truly loved her son, Michael. We will all miss her very much.
Mike Wheeler
June 28, 2022
I'm writing to express deep sympathy to Michael and the rest of the family. I worked closely with Barbara at HBS and will be ever grateful for her help and encouragement. In addition to her first-rate professional skills, her kindness and concern was warmly appreciated by staff and faculty alike. I am lucky indeed to have known and worked with her.
Paul Craig
June 28, 2022
I am so saddened to hear the news about Barbara´s passing. Whenever we saw each other on campus she would always wave, smile, and make time for a quick chat. She will be so dearly missed by so many at HBS whose lives she made brighter.
Kim Doell
June 28, 2022
I'm so sad to hear of Barbara's passing. While we didn't work together closely, she was always a smiling face on campus, bursting with positive energy. Sending love to her family and friends.
Teresa Laffey
June 27, 2022
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Barbara´s passing. She was a dear friend and colleague at HBS, always helpful, strong willed, hard working and very kind. I cherished our times together. She had great stories and always good for a laugh. My heart goes out to her family, especially her adored son Michael, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.
Jessica Lewis
June 27, 2022
I was so shocked and saddened when I found out about Barbara's passing. She was such a vibrant, kind and caring colleague. My heart goes out to Michael and her family. My most sincere and deepest condolences.
Pat and Jim Fallon
June 26, 2022
So saddened to hear of Barbara´s passing.
We first met Barbara when we played on the same softball team as members of the BSSC many years ago. We had so much fun.
We have enjoyed following Barbara on Facebook and watching Michael growing into the wonderful young man he has become.
Deepest sympathy to those who were blessed to know this lovely woman.
Theresa Gaignard
June 26, 2022
Some people have a spark or light that shines brighter than others'. When you cross their paths, even briefly, you remember them. Michael, that was your mother. She was no shrinking violet. She was strong and resourceful and walked with an inherent dignity.
When a colleague gave me the shocking news of your mother's sudden passing, I was immediately saddened, and my heart ached for you. Everyone knew that you were her lungs, her heart, her joy! Hearing her many stories about you over the years, I have no doubt that you are a remarkable young man and that she has instilled in you her indomitable spirit. I know that your memories of her will sustain you in the years ahead and that you will grow up to shine your own light into this world.
I know that right now, it hurts. Losing a parent is the worst, and grieving is hard work. It might not seem like it right now, but over time that hurt will recede and you will be left with the joy and love of having had Barbara as your mother.
Please look after your health and studies and always remember that an army of people that you don't even know are praying for you.
Rick MacNeill
June 26, 2022
So sad to hear the news of Barbara´s passing
Barbara always had a smile and funny story to share. She was a friend and colleague and will be missed.
Jocelyn Zuppani
June 25, 2022
Barbara, you were such an inspiration to us. Evan truly enjoyed conversations with you. All of our love and prayers to Michael!
The Zuppani Family.
Amram Migdal
June 25, 2022
Barbara, how I'll miss seeing you on campus or exchanging Facebook messages. You took an interest in everyone around. I loved sharing with you about my family and my case study projects. May your memory be a blessing!
Kriston Ganguli
June 25, 2022
Also shocked and devastated. Barbara, as a ray of light, a positive presence and a dedicated parent and member of our community, she will be dearly missed. Hugs to Michael especially, and all of her family and friends.
Federica Piccioni
June 24, 2022
I am shocked and devastated by this news. My sincere condolences to Michael and all family
Ryan Buell
June 24, 2022
I am heartbroken to learn about Barbara´s passing. Barbara and I have known each other for more than a decade, and she was a ray of joy every time we had the opportunity to talk. She always made time for me, and I always appreciated it.
Barbara saw the world through such a hopeful lens, and she was always so extraordinarily proud of Michael. She brightened all of our worlds, and I´ll always remember and will be grateful for her kindness and warmth. I hope her family is feeling the love and support of all of us around the world whose lives were made so much brighter by Barbara. She was a truly special person, and I´ll miss her very much.
Jane Barrett
June 24, 2022
I was shocked to hear of Barbara´s passing. She was a friendly, kind and extremely generous and helpful colleague at HBS. My condolences to her family and especially to her dear Michael.
Sandy Kirschenbaum
June 24, 2022
Was deeply saddened to hear about Barbara's passing. I so enjoyed working with her and spending time chatting with her. She was always so happy and pleasant. My heart breaks for Michael he was the light in her life. My sincere condolences to the family.
Emma Tavolieri
June 24, 2022
I'm heartbroken to hear the news of Barbara's passing. She was the very first person I met at Harvard Business School, and she greeted me with the most warmth and joy. We immediately hit it off talking about our mutual connections whether it be Viking Sports Camp in Brookline or that her family lived near Tango Mango in Newton, which is near where I grew up.
She was the most popular person on campus at HBS, and we all missed her radiant energy when she retired. She would make me fall to the floor laughing because she somehow always knew where to find leftover snacks on campus, or sneak an extra voucher when working reunions. I still get a kick out of those memories together. She had an incredible sense of humor.
More important than her exceptional dedication to her work, her colleagues, and her community, I know that Barbara was an amazing mother to Michael. I never met Michael, but I know how loved he was.
My most sincere condolences to Barbara's entire family.
Ethi
June 24, 2022
This news is deeply saddening. When I think of Barbara, what stands out the most is her love of Michael. She spoke about him constantly, always with great affection and care. She not only seemed to love being a mother, she also seemed incredible at it. Barbara was so dedicated, generous, and loving. It feels like an immeasurable loss to those she meant the most to. Wishing Michael and her family all of the comforts and attention needed to heal safely during this time. <3
Melissa Burton
June 24, 2022
I worked at Harvard with Barbara. She was such a nice person. Will miss her vibrant presence on campus.
Greg Madden
June 24, 2022
Oh dear Barbara ..... how sudden, how impactful for all of us, your family and especially your beloved Michael.
Our journey took us in different directions over the years, but the time we shared was precious to me, as were you sweet angel. Our times together were laced with interesting and varied conversation often ending in laughter. My memories are filled with your quick wit and rapid (nearly dizzying) repartee. Your friends and family were your world and we in those circles always could feel your abundant love. It seems we are at the portal where are loved ones are on the other side of the veil and soon we will reunite with you and others we miss.
My love and blessings to your wonderful family and to your Michael. You've raised a true gentleman who makes our world better. Your kind and thoughtful nature made any moments shared with you just wonderful, be they quick or extended. Until we meet again lovely Barbara .... cheers ... I love you..... always. - Greg
Monique Burns Thompson
June 24, 2022
Barbara was one of the first people I met when I returned to HBS as a faculty member. She had an office right near mine and was a constant source of wisdom, kindness and friendship. She had great pride in her work and dedication to her colleagues, but what I enjoyed the most about her is that she knew and cared about EVERYONE! And they knew and cared about her. A perfect example of this is when Barbara showed up at a lecture in Brookline that my mother was giving at the Brookline Senior Center. Why? Because she was interested, always leaning and she knew it would mean something to me. She was an amazing friend and colleague. She will be deeply missed by so many. My heart goes out to her family and her sweet son.
Miranda Smith
June 24, 2022
I met Barbara and Michael at a National Stuttering Association conference years ago and have stayed in touch every year at each conference and through Facebook. She´s one of the sweetest souls I´ve ever met. So sad to hear about this loss and thinking about Michael and your family. She will be missed!
MARTIN O'SULLIVAN
June 24, 2022
Deeply saddened and shocked not only did I work with Barbara she became a friend at Harvard. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Katie Noddin
June 24, 2022
I´m so shocked and saddened by this news. Barbara was one of the kindest souls I´ve ever come across. She was a pleasure to work with at HBS. I met her at the same time she was preparing to meet her pride and joy, Michael. Sending love and condolences to him and the rest of her family and friends.
Clare Flaherty
June 24, 2022
Barbara was supportive, funny, caring, kind, honest, and I loved our Ex-Pat conversations and by gosh she was proud of Micheal. My heart breaks for him and all her family, and I will miss her greatly.
Tara Abbatello
June 24, 2022
I am so saddened by this news. Barbara was a joy to work with and I considered her a friend, not just a colleague. Love and hugs to Michael and the rest of their family.
Sarah Gazzaniga
June 24, 2022
Barbara was one of the first people I met at HBS. She was so very kind and welcoming - and continued to be one of my favorite people to see on campus, always making me smile. My sincere condolences to Michael (who she was always so proud of) and to everyone who knew and loved her.
Nancy Edmunds
June 24, 2022
Barbara was an absolutely lovely person and I am grateful to have known her. So smart, so funny, so caring. My deepest sympathies to Michael and the rest of their family.
Kate Jenkins
June 23, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She had so much joy, none more than when she spoke of Michael. Wishing her family and loves ones comfort in the days ahead. My sincere condolences.
Sophia Markopoulos
June 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to Michael and all family and friends. Barbara was an amazing colleague and friend at HBS. May her memory be eternal.
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