Barbara A. Mahoney

 

WORCESTER-Barbara A. (Birch) Mahoney, 86, of Worcester passed away Thursday, May 26th in the Jewish Health Care Center, surrounded by her children. 

Her husband of 41 years, Francis X. Mahoney Sr. died in 1999. She leaves four children, Maura Mahoney and her husband Marty Green of Northbridge, Erin Nosek and her husband Ken of Spencer, Colleen McCallum and her husband Alexander of Worcester, and Kevin Mahoney and his wife Gloria of Worcester. She was predeceased by two sons, Brendan J. Mahoney and Francis X. Mahoney Jr. and her brother James W. Birch. Barbara also leaves her grandchildren Sadie and Jack Green, Colin Nosek, and Milena and Alejandro Mahoney, as well as her bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Kevin, Keri, Liam, Blair and Johnny. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Diane Birch, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Barbara was the daughter of James W. and Elizabeth M. (Courtney) Birch, and was born in Boston. She lived her early years in Braintree and Dorchester, before her family moved to, and settled in Worcester. She graduated from St. Peter’s Central Catholic High School and Worcester State Teacher’s College. She taught in the Auburn Public Schools as well as in Colorado. She left her teaching career to raise her family, which was always her greatest priority and joy. Once her children were grown, she worked as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in the Worcester Public Schools until retirement.  

She was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, and most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved the beach, reading her books, shopping, and supporting her children and grandchildren in all of their activities. 

Barbara’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Jewish Health Care Center and the amazing team on the 5th floor. The family appreciates the special attention given to her by her extremely caring aides.  

Visiting Hours are Monday, May 30 from 3 to 6pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 31 at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.st.jude.org