Barbara Ann McGurl

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-laws 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, 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 who visits always brightened her day.
Barbara or 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, Patti Bolli 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 a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara, please visit our Tree Store.