Barbara Anne McSweeney

Barbara Anne (O'Brien) McSweeney, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts, in the arms of her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 25, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Thomas F. and Irene R. (Shea) O'Brien. Barbara was raised in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, where she graduated from Our Lady of Presentation High School with the Class of 1947. She continued her education at the Chandler School of Business in Boston, earning her associates degree in 1949. Following her graduation, Barbara took a position with the telephone company, working in the human resources department.

Barbara married her beloved husband and the love of her life, Arthur Paul McSweeney, on September 5, 1953, in Saint Ignatius Church at Boston College. The young couple initially made their home in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, before settling in Walpole, Massachusetts, where she lovingly took on the role of raising and caring for their five children. As a young mother, Barbara ensured always that her home was organized and happy. She went on to express her love through the art of sewing, crafting many beautiful quilts and Christmas stockings and gifting them often to her children and grandchildren who will forever treasure them. Her hobbies and crafts were many, from knitting to ceramics to refinishing family heirlooms. Her talent was endless.

Throughout her life, Barbara fostered her love for travel, visiting destinations throughout the world with her family and friends. Upon retiring, her and her husband Arthur set out on many adventures throughout Europe, visiting Ireland, Italy, Germany, Scotland, and France. They continued their adventure domestically for many years exploring states throughout the US, criss-crossing the country in their motorhome. Barbara and Arthur went on to purchase a vacation home at Ocean Resorts on Hutchinson Island in Florida, where they made lifelong friendships with their neighbors.

However, Barbara’s most precious possession was her family. She was the happiest when her home was filled with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The “Nana bird” loved nothing more than to have one of her babies in her arms. She enriched their lives with her unconditional love and unwavering pride, and spoke often of her deep gratitude for her many blessings. The large, sometimes loud, and overwhelmingly happy family her and Arthur built was the great joy of her life.

Beloved wife of the late Arthur Paul McSweeney.

Loving mother of Debbie Glynn and her husband, Chris, of Foxborough, Arthur "Jay" McSweeney and his wife, Sharon, of Chelmsford, Joanne Cooper and her partner, Sandy Blair, of Cummaquid, Barbie Ryan and her husband, Michael, of Plainville, and Mary Ellen McGrath and her husband, Patrick, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of Jaime, Jessica, Joey, Michael, Kyle, Kara, Kerry, Christopher, Caroline, Gabrielle, and John; and great grandmother of Avery, Mae, Reese, Mack, Bodie, and Gordon.

Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Sister of the late Thomas F. "Sonny" O'Brien and the late William P. O'Brien.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Barbara's Life Celebration on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.