Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

DeVito Funeral Home

1145 Massachusetts Avenue

Arlington, Massachusetts

BARBARA MCGURL Obituary

McGURL, Barbara Ann (Doyle) The Lord called Barbara Ann Doyle McGurl home to be with Him on July 18, 2025, where she was greeted by her beloved husband of 60 years, John T. McGurl; parents, Margaret and Michael Doyle; sister, Imelda Doyle Doherty; brother, Robert Vincent Doyle; brother-in-law, George B. Doherty; and countless lifelong friends and relatives. What a homecoming! Barbara, 96 of Belmont, entered into eternity with God - how she lived with absolute assurance that she was in God's hands. Survived by sisters-in-law, Marjory Sullivan Doyle and Maureen Mawn McGurl; and many relatives and friends. Barbara was born in Cambridge on July 5, 1929. Self proclaimed a delayed firecracker. Attended Cambridge schools and worked for New England Telephone for over 20 years. She also worked in her home daycare, taking care of others children so they were able to work. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, wonderful mother, mentor and beloved friend. The matriarch of the family. Those who will deeply grieve her absence are Barbara's daughters, Mary McGurl Humphrey and Barbara Ann McGurl; son-in-law, Steven Humphrey; adopted daughter and neighbor, Kathryn Crawley and Tom Donovan; special niece, Carol Doherty Barera and her husband, John ("Ray") Barera, all of Belmont, who were a constant in her life. Special thank you to the Emello children, Paul, Carol, Catherine and David; and Jayne Brady Haley, for their multiple visit throughout the years and their unwavering support at this most difficult time. And to Barbara Diaz, whose visits always brightened her day. Barbara, affectionately known as "the Boss," taught us all what it looks like to do small things with great love, and what an incredible difference those small things can make in a person's life. Barbara was quick to forgive and even quicker to open her heart and home. Her legacy of undying devotion to God, St. Ann and her family, along with her generosity to everyone she met will be felt for many years to come. To her most loyal and devoted caregivers, Fran Mulvey, Shirley Longo and Caroline Healy, we could never fully express our gratitude for your incredible care and love for our dear Barbara. Barbara died as she wanted, at home with her family, to the hands of Lord. Relatives and friends are invited to visit in the DeVito Funeral Home, 1145 Mass. Ave., ARLINGTON, on Wednesday, July 23rd, from 10:00am to 11:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am in the St. Eulalia Church, Winchester. Interment to follow at Highland Meadow Cemetery in Belmont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BILH Hospice, 625 Mount Auburn St., Suite 380, Cambridge, MA 02138 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 62 Walnut St., #5, Wellesley, MA 02481.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 19 to Jul. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for BARBARA MCGURL

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in BARBARA MCGURL's name

Memorial Events
for BARBARA MCGURL

Jul

23

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

DeVito Funeral Home

1145 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476

Jul

23

Funeral Mass

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Saint Eulalia Church

50 Ridge Street, Winchester, MA 01890

Funeral services provided by:

DeVito Funeral Home

1145 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476

How to support BARBARA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor BARBARA MCGURL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more