Barbara May Metayer

Barbara May (Walton) Metayer, age 89, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Needham, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 28, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Helen May (Gould) Walton. Barbara grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts, and graduated from Dedham High School with the Class of 1954. After high school, she started working as a secretary with the Dedham Water Department.

Barbara married her wonderful husband, Edward Joseph Metayer, on October 8, 1962, at Saint Paul's Church in Dedham. They made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they joyfully raised three children, David, Elizabeth, and Joanne. As her kids got older, Barbara returned to work at Norwood Hospital, where she was the first switchboard operator. At first, her office was outside the hospital, but as the facility expanded, she found herself working right inside the building. Barbara loved her job at Norwood Hospital, where she worked for over 38 years before retiring. Even after retirement, she stayed connected, volunteering at the hospital and answering phones until 2020.

Beyond her work, Barbara enjoyed volunteering at the Pond Home in Wrentham, spending time with residents and lending a helping hand whenever she could. She also gave her time to the Walpole Food Pantry and was an active member of the Walpole Women's Club.

At home, Barbara found joy in the outdoors, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens or watching and feeding the birds that visited her yard. She was never outdoors without her faithful companion, Macey, by her side.

Beloved wife of Edward Joseph Metayer.

Loving mother of David E. Metayer and his wife, Maureen, of Norwood, Elizabeth W. Hauptman and her husband, Richard, of Millis, and Joanne Kane and her boyfriend, Anthony J. Palermo, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of Erin Metayer, Daniel Metayer, Bryan Metayer, Cody Hauptman and his fiancé, Meaghan, Chad Hauptman, Shawn Kane and his wife, Kelsey, and Timothy Kane and his fiancé, Rachel; and great grandmother of Olivia Kane.

Sister of Carolyn Murphy of Abington.

At the request of Barbara's family, all immediate funeral services will be held privately. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to National Kidney Foundation, by mailing a check to Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or by visiting https://www.kidney.org/

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