Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Szymurski Obituary
Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen Joyce. She graduated from hairdressing school but after having children, chose to leave her career to raise her family. Later in life, Barbara worked at Pawcatuck Middle School where she made some life-long friends and enjoyed interacting with the kids.
Barbara was a devoted communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church and a former member of the Daughters of Isabella.
She enjoyed traveling, was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and Providence College basketball and loved nothing more than spending quality time with family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two daughters, Karen Heery and her husband Joseph Heery Jr., and Kristen McKenna, all of Old Saybrook; a brother, John "Jack" Joyce (Vicki) of Mesa, Ariz.; three cherished grandchildren, Lauren Fraser (Austin), Jack McKenna and Sean McKenna; as well as a great-granddaughter, Nellie Fraser.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Liturgy at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Hospital or St. Michael's Steeple Fund. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Barbara Szymurski
Funeral services provided by:
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Szymurski
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
6 Entries
Julie Boiselle
Yesterday
I was so sad to learn of Barbara´s passing. Dawn and I just found out today. I´m so sorry that I missed the services. My condolences to you all. It´s been so many years since I have seen any of you. I have some fond memories of you all. Love to you all, Julie
John Eldridge
October 4, 2025
Saddened to hear this news of the passing of Barbara. John and all of the family, I send my condolences.
Jack Eldridge, WHS Class of 1957.
Lieut. Ret'd Byron Brown WPD
October 4, 2025
Szymurski and Joyce Families,
So sorry to learn of the passing of Barbara I was a classmate with her and her brother John at WHS class of "1957". She will be sorely missed at our class luncheons that takes place every year in June and December. Her name will be mentioned at this coming December luncheon. Rest in peace Barbara you left a footprint on mother earth for others to follow.
Nancy Griswold- Seifert
October 1, 2025
Dear Karen & Kristen,
I remember the first day we moved to the neighborhood, and meet your family. Many great memories, of slumber parties, bike riding to Besso´s , snow days of endless sledding and your Mom made us piping hot chocolate! What a blessing it was growing up with all of you.
My deepest sympathies with the passing of your wonderful Mom. Thankful I knew here in my path of life.
God bless you both.
Love always,
Nancy
Dave Fairman
October 1, 2025
Rest in Peace Barbara
Cheryl Harris
September 30, 2025
I have sweet memories of Barb for which I´m thankful. I especially remember our once a week pool visits where Moscow mule rum cokes, boom box latest hits and a lot of laughs were always found. Roxy pizza birthday parties and sleepovers were special, too! Barb will be missed. I´m so glad I had the opportunity to visit with her last summer. Love you, Barbara
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Szymurski's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Szymurski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
