Barbara L. Delaney

Sturbridge: Barbara L. Delaney, 84, former resident of Waltham, passed away on August 13th at her current residence in Sturbridge, surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

Her husband George Delaney passed away in 2013, her son Kenny Gillespie in 2000, her sister Pat Boudreau, and Arthur Boudreau in 2013. Barbara is survived by her sister Cynthia Patterson; her sons David Gillespie and his wife Patricia of Clinton, Billy Gillespie and his wife Mary Ellen of Dedham, Jim Gillespie of Clinton and Bob Gillespie and his wife Gina of Franklin; as well as her 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Barbara and Husband owned the Cleaners in Waltham and worked there for many years. Later, they moved to Florida where Barbara worked in the School Department as a Cafeteria Server. She retired in Florida and moved back to Massachusetts. After living in Clinton, Barbara lived with her sister Cynthia and brother in-law Robert Patterson in Sturbridge. Barbara enjoyed going shopping at Savers and loved ordering clothes from Temu. She shared her love of crocheting through countless handmade gifts for family, friends and even strangers. Barbara could turn any situation into a laugh. Her favorite stories to tell were about her children and grandchildren, paired with a cup of coffee, iced oatmeal cookie and a smile saying, "I have so many stories I could write a book".

A Service for Barbara will be held on Thursday, August 21st in the Charlton City United Methodist Church, 74 Stafford St., Charlton, MA at 11:00am. Burial will be private.