Barbara Joan Lawless

Barbara Joan (Lamon) Lawless, age 80, passed away on February 16, 2022 in the Newton Wellesley Hospital, with her loving family by her side.  Born in Cranston, Rhode Island on January 13, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Donald T. and Eleanor I. (Ide) Lamon.  She was raised in East Providence, Rhode Island, where she graduated from East Providence High School with the Class of 1959.  Barbara continued her education at the University of Rhode Island, where she met her soon to be husband, William F. Lawless, prior to earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing with the Class of 1963.

Barbara and Bill were married on August 17, 1963, in Hope Church in East Providence.  The young couple made their home in Kingston, Rhode Island and, as a registered nurse, Barbara took a position in community health nursing, in addition to serving as a school nurse.  Barbara returned to her education, taking courses at Boston College, where she earned her Master of Science degree in 1982.  Her career went on to lead her to the Walpole Area Visiting Nurses Association, where Barbara was named Clinical Director.  She retired in 1997 after fourteen years with this wonderful community resource.

After making her home in Walpole, Barbara became an active member of her community.  She served as a Representative to Town Meeting (RTM) for fifteen years and sat on the Planning Board for four years.  Barbara was also active with the Walpole League of Women Voters, serving as president from 1971 to 1973.  In addition to serving the Town of Walpole, Barbara had a strong devotion to her church, United Church in Walpole, where she served on several committees and sang in the choir for many years.

Throughout her life, Barbara loved being outdoors, enjoying all the beauty that Mother Nature provided.  She was a longtime member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, regularly volunteering at their Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.  Her love for nature extended well beyond New England, as she and Bill traveled the world on birding trips, visiting nearly fifty countries in thirty-five years.

Beloved wife of William F. Lawless.

Loving mother of Michael D. Lawless and his wife, Monika, of Blacksburg, Virginia and Tina S. Stanley and her partner, John Hanna, of Manchester by the Sea.

Cherished grandmother of Rachel Stanley, David Stanley, and Emma Lawless.

Sister of the late Thomas Lamon.

At the request of Barbara’s family, all funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950, with checks payable to Mass Audubon.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.