Barbara A. TRAKAS

TRAKAS, Barbara A. Of Westwood, MA, fell asleep in the Lord, on the twelfth day of June. A cherished wife, mother and grandmother. She was the devoted wife of the late Nicholas Trakas; and a loving mother to her son, John; and daughter, Elizabeth. She was overjoyed by Elizabeth's marriage to Brandon Lentine; and becoming Theodore's loving nana. Loving daughter of the late Robert and Mary Maughn. Survived by her siblings, Eileen Ewing, Peggy Brown, Mary Frances Johnson and John Maughn. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and many dear friends.

Barbara loved people. As a nurse for many years, she was a comforting presence making a difference in countless lives. She had a wide range of specialties in her nursing career, culminating in her work with those living with autism, which she often said was her most rewarding role as a nurse. Barbara was often the first person one would go to for advice. She would stop what she was doing and have total focus on figuring out solutions and providing support. She was always building up those around her.

In her free time, Barbara loved the beach and the summertime. She loved flowers, especially sunflowers and hydrangeas, and taking long walks with loved ones. She also loved a strong cup of coffee while playing a competitive backgammon game with her husband, the rules of which were known only to them. She loved games of all kinds, especially Scrabble, mainly because they brought people together, which was what was always most important to her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday morning, June 18, at 10:30am, at St. Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols St., Norwood. Following the Mass, interment will take place at Milton Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Barbara's memory to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dfjffai/