A lifelong Massachusetts resident and 65 year resident of Auburndale, died Sunday, March 28, 2021 at home with her daughters by her side at the age of 94.

Barbara was born January 28, 1927 in Boston, daughter of the late Harry Colleary and Frances (Whelan) Colleary. She was pre-deceased by her sister Joan (Colleary) Long.

In her youth Barbara enjoyed dancing and roller skating. She attended Burdette College and received a certificate in Secretarial Science in 1954.

Barbara married Leon Auvil formerly of Grafton, West Virginia in 1955, who pre-deceased her in July, 2020. They were married for 64 years, one month shy of their 65th anniversary. The couple raised seven wonderful children: Sandra Leigh Auvil of Richmond NH , Leon Virgil Auvil, Jr. of Braintree MA, Ann Marie Auvil of Auburndale , MA, Barbie Teresa English of Mansfield MA, Robert Cassell Auvil of Mashpee, MA , Mary Lou Johnson of Natick, MA and Nanci Joan Kelleher of Norwood, MA. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking for her family and knitting for her children when they were young. She had a busy household and was always upbeat with a happy go lucky sense of humor. She told her children growing up, "You can do whatever you put your minds to!" She enjoyed entertaining with "the more the merrier" attitude. The house was always filled with her delicious cooking aromas and her wonderful energy.

Barbara and her husband Leon were always together, even in their later years one would see them sitting next to each other holding hands, simply enjoying each other's' company.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Shepard Community Care, especially Barbara's nurse Arvia.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, April 5th from 4-7PM at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St. West Newton. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Good Shepard Community Care Hospice, 160 Wells Ave. Newton, MA 02459.