Barbara J. McShane

Barbara J. McShane

Hampden, MA - September 15, 1941--September 30, 2025

Barbara Jean McShane passed away at Baystate Medical Center with her sister, Linda and brother-in-law, Steven, as escorts during her transition.

She had been a resident of Greenfield for 72 years before moving to Hampden, MA to be closer to the assistance and care of her sister.

She was a graduate of Greenfield High school and a retiree of Verizon. She resided at Chestnut Hill in East Longmeadow for just over a year.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Doris McShane.

She is survived by her siblings and their families: Marjorie Pervere (Robert) of Burleson, Texas; Thomas McShane (Carol) of Deerfield; Linda McShane (Steven Mann) of Hampden. She lived long enough to celebrate the lives of her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and the great-greats too.

She was always interested in what they were doing and enjoyed seeing pictures. She used to say that being a great-great aunt made her feel old. She was the family historian, able to recall details about our ancestors. When asked to record information and stories in a journal during her time in the nursing home, she elected to win at Bingo and trivia games instead. She treasured her victories.

Barbara loved dogs her entire life, and recent visits from her sister's golden, Ellie, gave her much joy during her declining health. She was a life-long reader and a collector of cookbooks, although she rarely cooked! Staff at Chestnut called her "very smart" and those attending her in the ED called her a "trooper."

Her family wants to acknowledge the staffs of BMC's ED and ICU for their compassionate and extraordinary efforts to save her life. She passed with dignity and at peace.

Burial will be private at Green River Cemetery, Greenfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dakin Humaine Society, 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.