Barbara Caruso

Barbara Dysard Caruso, age 69, a resident of Newbury and beloved wife of 45 years to Alexander Caruso, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, after a valiant fight against cancer. Barbara's final weeks were filled with grace, strength, and dignity – qualities she emulated throughout her entire life.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Walter and Constance "Connie" (McCauley) Dysard. She was the devoted sister of Maryann Iversen and the late Gerry Francis and Robert Dysard. Barbara grew up in Hopewell Junction, New York, where her strong work ethic, familial values, and ease of working with the public were shaped early in life on her family's farm stands. Barbara excelled academically, athletically, and in writing, and became the first in her family to attend college, earning a full scholarship to a university in Boston. Driven and focused, she completed her degree a year early and was employed as a paralegal for several prestigious Boston law firms. Barbara loved her work and took great pride in it, most notably contributing to the drafting of a legal brief for a case brought before the United States Supreme Court. After having children, she partnered with her husband, Alex, in supporting their real estate businesses.
Barbara will forever be known for her non-stop energy and for being a wonderful host. Barbara had an exceptional talent for creating warm, welcoming spaces. She found great joy in opening her home to family and friends, creating lifelong memories. Celebrations at the Caruso home have always meant laughter and rich conversation around the table over a thoughtfully prepared meal.
Barbara's heart and spirit were best captured through her endless service to others and the community. Barbara was an active member of St. Augustine's Parish and gave selflessly of her time to many local organizations, including Lazarus House, Central Catholic High School, and Shriners Hospital for Children. Her unwavering commitment to helping others and her quiet acts of kindness touched countless lives.
Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, Mima, sister, aunt, and friend. She always said her greatest legacy and source of pride was the beautiful family she built alongside Alex – her cherished daughters Dominique, Stephanie, and Alessandra. Barbara showed up always and in all ways for those she loved, no matter the circumstance. She held many others' hands through their own health and personal challenges with humor, strength, and a penchant for finding the silver lining. Barbara was exceptionally thoughtful, never forgetting a birthday or the extra details that make a holiday feel magical.
In addition to her treasured husband, Alex, Barbara is survived by her loving daughters and their husbands: Dominique Murphy and Drew Murphy, Stephanie Caruso Gülsoy and Eray Gülsoy, and Alessandra Caruso and Brian Bacon. Barbara was the best "Mima" to her grandchildren Jack and Theo Murphy (8), Celia Murphy (4), Ayla Gülsoy (5), and soon-to-be Baby Boy Bacon. Barbara leaves behind her adored sister Maryann Iversen, sisters-in-law Mary Briggs and Carolyn Caruso, and brother-in-law Stephen Briggs, as well as her precious nieces, Christine Carpentieri, Kathleen DeSimone, Kristen Potter, Jennifer Jackson, and nephews, Matthew Briggs, Robert Caulk, Steven Iversen, and Alec Iversen. All who loved Barbara, from cousins to friends, will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Barbara's Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Interment will be privately held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Barbara's memory, please consider a donation to Lazarus House Ministries in Barbara's name, PO Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842 or https://lazarushouse.org/donate-now/. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.