Barbara A. Henault

Barbara A. (Egan) Henault of Bridgewater passed away peacefully two months shy of 89 years of age on September 2, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Being an only child, it was essential to her that she begin a large family after marriage. She was very successful in this endeavor by raising six children who, between them, raised thirteen grandchildren for her. Those grandchildren have now gone on to be raising thirteen great-grandchildren (and counting?)

She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Dolores (Farr) Egan. Losing her youngest child, Kristi, in 2012 was a crushing loss but her love of family, strength, faith and resilience served her well for the rest of her life.

Barbara was born in Boston and grew up in the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain where she began her life-long passion of immersing herself in multiple cultures. She married James Henault in May of 1957, a handsome soldier whom she began dating when she was only 14 years of age. Together they raised their six children in Bridgewater. Their house was the one where all the children's friends gathered and she was honored to be called "mom" by many of them. Jim predeceased her in 2002 and, instead of succumbing to loneliness, Barbara created a new life for herself by caring, welcoming and giving her life to others. It was around this time that, through her work as Administrative Assistant at St Basil's Chapel at Bridgewater State University, she became involved in the community of international students who came to Bridgewater to study from countries all over the world.

Prior to her years at St Basil's, she held many positions throughout her life including as co-owner of a successful Independent Business, working from home. She also spent time as the East Coast Director of INTRAX, an exchange student placement program.

Barbara lived her life by giving to others, from being active in her church community and becoming, again, a mother figure to many international students and a friend/mentor to her peers. She served her communities in multiple roles, including the Parish Council, Baptismal Committee, the Bereavement Team, and Prison Ministry. She served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister at weekly Masses. She also joyfully sang in the church choir for many years. She was the proud recipient of the Archdiocese of Boston Cheverus Award, which acknowledged her lifetime commitment to the church community.

Furthering her passions, she dedicated much of her time to her international students, many of whom lived with her at times. She led many efforts to provide the students with housing, clothing, food and other necessities. She was part of the leadership team for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, which welcomed and housed African leaders to the Bridgewater community for leadership and academic training. She enthusiastically joined the Bridgewater Citizens for Civility and Respect. She was the founder of a program matching community members and international students to become "conversation partners". She was part of the committee to organize area Relay for Life events. She volunteered to help at My Brother's Keeper. She served on the Board of The Literacy Place.

Her ceaseless energy still allowed time for her other passions. She served as Treasurer of the Bridgewater Garden Club and was involved in several community theatre productions. Her love for FAMILY, music, reading and everything Irish rounded out her life.

Loving and dedicated wife to the late James Henault. Devoted mother of Kathie Henderson (Bob) of East Wareham, Karen Crowley (Michael) of Vermont, Steve Henault (Sue) of Middleboro, Jim Henault (Lori) of Connecticut, Rob Henault (Kate) of Rhode Island, the late Kristi (Mike) Wheeler of Vermont. Loving Nana to Dawn, Tom, Mark, Heather, Sam, Stephanie, Erin, Corilyn, Zach, Nathan, Josh, Michael and Rosemarie. Proud "More Nana" to Travers, James, Addie, Ellie, Sadie, Sasha, Luca, Summer, Evan, Alina, Grayson and Johnny. Also survived by her chosen great-grandson, Prince Tinega. "Found grandmother" to Obed Tinega and Hildah Makori, Kenyan natives and now (with Barbara's guidance) permanent residents of the US. "Mother by choice" to Rieko Nakao of Japan. She will also be sorely missed by many extended family members and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Chapman Funerals and Cremation in Bridgewater. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10 am at St Basil's Chapel in Bridgewater. Burial to follow at St Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in Bridgewater.

* Please note, additional parking on Friday afternoon will be at the Bridgewater State University Harrington Hall Parking lot, Grove Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324. Please use cone entrance to path to funeral home.

Barbara's family would like to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to the local EMT's and to the staff at Boston Medical Center - South's Critical Care Unit for the tremendous care and respect provided to Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be mailed to her favorite charity, Covenant House, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001 or online at www.covenanthouse.org. Covenant House provides housing and support for homeless youth and for survivors of human trafficking.