Barbara McQuaid

Barbara McQuaid, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack. Born on February 1, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Barbara was the oldest daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Golden) Johnson. She shared a loving marriage with her husband, John McQuaid, for 68 years before his passing in 2024.

Barbara devoted her life to her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her floors were always spotless, and the candy bowl was always full. After raising five children, she never figured out how to grocery shop for less. There was nothing quite like Nana's cooking, and dessert came with every meal.

Barbara and her late husband shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they explored many places including Ireland, Scotland, England, Bermuda, Tennessee, the glaciers of Canada, Yellowstone National Park, and Costa Rica. But summers were spent up in Maine, driving up and down the coast, eating at the best restaurants and discovering the best Mud Slides on offer.

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to family, her warmth, and the strong foundation she created for those who came after her. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and loved.

She was predeceased by her son Michael McQuaid and daughters Barbara and Ceryl McQuaid; as well as her siblings Edward Johnson, Allan Johnson, and Norma Ziemba.

Barbara is survived by her children John F. McQuaid and his wife Rosalie, and Diane Gauthier and her husband Norman; her grandchildren Nicole Blake and her husband Sean, Brent Gauthier, Ian McQuaid and his wife Crystal, Andrew McQuaid and his wife Alyssa, Douglas McQuaid, Gordon McQuaid and Ryann McQuaid and her wife Hannah; her great grandchildren Riley, Caleb, William and Olivia; her siblings Debra Grimshaw, Helen Asselin and her husband Robert, and Robert "Bob" Johnson.

No amount of time would have been enough, and we are lucky to have had you for as long as we did.

Family and friends are invited to Barbara's graveside service on THURSDAY, April 9th at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Hudson. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH.