Christine Elsa Barbagallo

Christine Elsa (Kennett) Barbagallo of New Castle, NH, a woman defined by her profound capacity for love, boundless generosity, and steadfast devotion to her family. She passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 71, with her husband by her side. In the quiet that follows, the memory of her love and light endures.

Born in 1954, she was the cherished daughter of the late Donald and Edna Eva (Wiljama) Kennett. Raised in both Peabody and Methuen, MA, she created many of her fondest childhood memories during weekends away in Madison, NH.

Christine shared 48 beautiful years of marriage with her soulmate, Michael G. Barbagallo. Together, they built a life rich in love, laughter, and family traditions. She was the adored and proud mother of Laura (Lee) Motta of Worcester, Jenna (Jeremy) Langenbach of Palm City, FL, and Bethany (Christopher) Reid of Dartmouth. Christine's ultimate happiness was found in her cherished role as "Nana" to her seven precious grandchildren: Kyle, Zachary, Eva, Aria, Colby, Emily, and Bradley, upon whom she showered her affection and generous spirit.

Christine is also remembered by her godchildren Sarah and Tim, her three lifelong friends Diane, Jeanette, and Susan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her siblings, Dr. Paul Kennett and Susan Kennett, whose memories she carried tenderly throughout her life. She is survived by Paul's partner in life, Carol Saks.

Christine nurtured a lifelong appreciation for learning, culminating in her graduation from Tenney High School (1972) and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1976). Her love of knowledge and her natural patience led her to a fulfilling career as a preschool teacher at Chapel Kindergarten and Nursery, where she touched the lives of countless children with her wisdom and warmth.

Christine embraced life with many joys and interests: she was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, and delighted in her daily soap operas. She found great joy and comfort snuggling with her beloved dog, Hayley. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, treasuring every celebration with enthusiasm, making them absolutely magical for her family.

Being involved in her daughters' lives brought her endless happiness. She loved spending her days at their gymnastics meets and field hockey games and never hesitated to drive them from place to place, always showing up with unwavering support. In recent years, she embraced the gift of modern technology as she was able to keep up with her grandchildren's sporting events and interests through live streams and video recordings.

Christine enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, where they explored various destinations and experienced countless new adventures together. When her daughters were young, she treasured their weekend getaways to Waterville Valley, NH, where they created memories year round that remain vivid for her loved ones. More recently, Christine and Michael enjoyed their time as "snowbirds," spending winters in Stuart, FL, where she cherished the views of the beach and the serenity of the ocean.

Christine was a wonderful person whose intelligence, kindness, and thoughtfulness enriched the lives of everyone she met. Her family will remember her as the heart of their gatherings, the one who made every holiday brighter, every milestone more meaningful, and every ordinary day more special.

Her life was a testament to the power of family, the joy of learning, and the beauty of simple pleasures. Though Christine has departed this world, we trust her spirit will live on in the laughter of her family, the traditions she cherished, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), or a charity that you hold close to your heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held and announced at a later date.