Barbara A. Whitman

Barbara A. (Regan) Whitman
February 25, 1934 – December 25, 2024
Barbara A. (Regan) Whitman, known to many as "Barbie," passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on February 25, 1934, in East Boston, she was the cherished daughter of the late Daniel and Annie (Snowdon) Regan.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth M. Whitman, her partner in love and life for 63 years. Together, "Barbie and Ken" made a home in Norwell, where they raised their family, and later retired to Bridgewater to continue enjoying life together.
A graduate of Girls High School in Boston, Class of 1951, Barbara excelled in academics and music, participating in the choir where her love for song blossomed. Following her passion for caregiving, she graduated from nursing school at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital in 1954 and earned her B.S. in nursing from Boston College in 1957. In 1982, she proudly achieved her Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption College, fulfilling a long-held goal.
From a young age, Barbara displayed leadership and spirit, becoming the first Girl Scout in East Boston to receive the prestigious Curved Bar Award and earning four trophies for camp spirit at Trinity House Camp in New Hampshire. These early experiences laid the foundation for a life of community involvement, service, and a deep commitment to kindness and fostering meaningful friendships.
Balancing career and family with grace and determination, Barbara raised her three young daughters while working as a private duty nurse and for the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. She dedicated over 30 years working at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, retiring from her role in the social service department in 1998.
Barbara's devotion to others extended far beyond her career. She was a thoughtful and active member of her community, serving as President of both the Friends of the Home for Little Wanderers and the South Shore Registered Nurses Association. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and active in the Massachusetts Order of the Eastern Star and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, of which her three daughters were also a part.
Her faith was central to her life, and she was deeply involved with St. Andrew's Church in Hanover as a Vestry member and Director of the Altar Guild. She also dedicated her time to the annual church fair, for which she crafted handmade items and baked for the beloved cookie sale, blending her creative talents with her enthusiasm for baking. Her greatest joy was serving as a devoted St. Andrew's choir member, sharing her passion for singing and enriching the church community with her beautiful voice.
Barbara's love for travel took her and Ken on numerous adventures, from camping trips along the East Coast to visits to National Parks, cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, and trips to Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, where she traced her family's roots. Together, they visited family and friends on winter drives to Florida, participated in church supper clubs, took dancing lessons, played in bocci tournaments, and passed the time with cribbage, board games and Triominos.
With her grandsons, Barbara's love knew no bounds. From sleepovers, museum outings and trips to the playground to vacations in Florida, Cooperstown and Vermont, Nana seized every opportunity to spend time with Ryan and Jason. She and Grampy watched them perform in plays, sing in concerts, and receive their diplomas and cheered them on at baseball games and rowing races.
Knitting was one of Barbara's favorite pastimes. Her mother taught her to knit at age 7, and she used her talent until her final days to bring comfort to others. At High Pond Estates, where she and Ken lived for over 25 years, she and 15 residents formed a knitting group that met weekly. Together, they produced 500 wool hats for servicemen in Afghanistan, knitted over 40 dolls for an orphanage in Haiti, and made over 200 yellow and blue hats for the people of Ukraine while deepening their bond as treasured friends.
Barbara's ability to make and maintain friendships was one of her greatest gifts. Whether it was with neighbors, college alumni, fellow church members, her High Pond knitting group, or friends at her latest residence at Benchmark Assisted Living, she nurtured connections with love and care. Barbara's acts of kindness were countless. She regularly called to check on friends and family, prepared meals for people who were sick and wrote thousands of cards and letters to lift people's spirits, always finding ways to bring warmth and compassion to those around her.
Barbara is survived by her loving daughters: Nancy Kuoni and her partner Kevin Mooney of Avon, MA; Sandra Whitman and her husband Mike Benoit of Knoxville, TN; and Joyce Whitman and her husband Keith Conforti of Cohasset, MA. She was the proud and devoted grandmother to her cherished grandsons, Ryan Conforti of Hatboro, PA, and Jason Conforti of Cohasset, MA. She also leaves behind several cousins, her beloved niece Catherine (Whitman) Paris and her husband Shan of Panama City Beach, FL, and their children and grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.
Barbara's life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and love. She set an example with her strong work ethic, vibrant spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed by her family, her many friends, and all whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, January 4th at 11:00 am at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 17 Church Street, Hanover, followed by a gathering in the parish hall sharing refreshments and memories. A private burial service will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara's memory to St. Andrew's Church or to continue her legacy by performing an act of kindness in her honor.