Enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, Maine and Florida
MELROSE — Barbara Anne (Duxbury) Giovino, age 88 passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, April 6 surrounded by loving family. Born on January 3, 1937 in Boston, Barbara lived a life of strength, love, deep faith and devotion to others.
Barbara met the love of her life Joseph Giovino in 1970. Together, they enjoyed traveling and dining out. They hosted family and friends at their lake house on Little Sebago Lake in ME each summer and Venice Beach, FL in the winter. Regardless of the season, Barbara’s home was always filled with those who loved her. As her family continued to grow, Barbara became “Neena” to her adoring grandchildren. In addition to her family, Barbara had a multitude of dear friends who often felt like family.
Barbara excelled in a number of different careers during her lifetime, though the two she spoke of with the most pride were her roles as a school administrator at Hilltop Preschool with her good friend and owner Janice Mirabel and a mental health counselor at the Shiff’s Day Treatment Center with her sister-in-law and friend Ella Alfano. After retirement, Barbara enjoyed playing bingo, knitting warm hats and scarves for those in need each winter and always had a basket of baby blankets ready for anyone she met who was expecting.
Barbara was preceded in death by her late husband Joseph. She is survived by her sister Margaret (Peg) Doucette and husband Jack, as well as her four children: Cathy Bartholomew, Ron Bartholomew, Lynne Cahill and her husband Chris, her youngest daughter Caryl Bartholomew and her husband Adam. Barbara loved spending time with her nine grandchildren and most recently celebrated the birth of her great granddaughter Sienna.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, April 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.