Barbara Willson

Barbara K. Willson, age 90, of Acton, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025.
Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (Huelskamp) and Wenzel Kral. In 1965, she married John Harris Willson, and they spent the majority of their 58 lovely years together in Acton. She earned a BS in Nursing Education from the University of Minnesota in 1959, an MA in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1971, an MS in the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program from University of Lowell in 1979, and a Ph.D in Social Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University in 1994. After teaching nursing for 10 years at Middlesex Community College, Barbara became a member of the faculty at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, where she was the coordinator of the Gerontological Specialty Graduate Program and taught for 20 years. She continued her clinical practice throughout her career, spending her last working years as a Nurse Practitioner at Emerson Hospital and Newbury Court in Concord, MA. A tireless advocate for elder health, care and well being she frequently lobbied the State Legislature and was a power behind the creation of the Acton Senior Center. One of the greatest joys in her life was her grandchildren. Predeceased by her sisters Mary Senescall and Kathryn Haynes, she is survived by her son Anthony and his wife Leslie of Dunstable, MA, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Fred of Shutesbury, MA, grandchildren Emily, James, David, Nora and Maxwell, and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA on Wednesday, September 3, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be private.