Barbara A. Stronach

Barbara Ann (Comeau) Stronach, known for her warmth, humor, and devotion to family, passed away peacefully at Royal Meadowview Nursing Home in North Reading on November 29, 2025. She was 82.
Barbara "Barbie" was a devoted wife, sister, and friend whose warmth and joy touched everyone she met. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Harold Young VFW Post #2394 for many years, where she cherished the camaraderie, social gatherings, and charitable events. Barbie loved being surrounded by family and friends, and in her younger years she delighted in hosting lively dinner parties filled with laughter and love.
In 1988, Barbie and her husband Peter sold their home in Wakefield, MA and moved to Port Charlotte, FL to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Though they treasured their time there, they longed to be closer to family and friends, and eventually returned to Massachusetts. Upon her return, Barbie worked at Epsilon, where she continued to form lasting friendships. Later, she found her most cherished calling as a caring and attentive home health aide to the elderly, a role she held with compassion until her retirement in 2018.
Barbie and Peter later made their home at Cedar Glen Apartments in Reading, MA, where she spent her free time visiting with neighbors, helping to organize the Christmas Bazaar, and participating in community events. She adored her beloved cats, sparkly jewelry, a nice cologne, and a good joke. Her radiant smile could light up any room. Holidays and family gatherings were her favorite occasions, where she greeted loved ones with her signature "woowoo" and a big lipstick kiss on the cheek. Barbie had a gift for making everyone feel special and welcomed each prospective new member of the family with excitement and joy.
She was also a talented matchmaker. At her first job after graduation, Barbie befriended Sharon Edgar and introduced her to her brother Richard; they fell in love and married. Later, she introduced her high school best friend, Suzanne "Sue" Burrell to her brother Walter "Wally", upon his return from serving in the Navy. They too fell in love and married. In time, her closest friends became her sisters-in-law, a testament to Barbie's ability to bring people together.
Barbie was easy to know, quick to make friends, and always seemed to brighten a room. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and connection, and she will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her.
Barbie leaves her late brother, Walter Comeau, Jr and his surviving wife, Suzanne of Wakefield, MA, Richard Comeau and his late wife, Sharon of Port St. Lucie, FL, William Comeau and his wife, Diane of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Edmund Comeau and his wife, Doreen of Wakefield, MA, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved parents
Walter and Lillian Comeau, her infant son, Jeffrey and her beloved husband Peter and other loved ones who welcomed her home with open arms. She also leaves and will miss her very good friend Veronica "Ronni" Hayes of Wakefield, MA.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aides, and support staff at Royal Meadowview Nursing Home in North Reading, and Compassus of North Andover, for the care and kindness they provided to Barbara.
Visiting hours will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose, MA, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 9:00AM-11:00AM, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to
attend. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbie's memory to Compassus, 790 Turnpike Street, #202, North Andover, MA 01845, or online at
www.compassus.com

. The family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown during this time.