Barbara was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Katherine and
John Doherty of Newton, MA. Originally from Dorchester, she was educated at Girls Latin School and earned her bachelor's and master's degree in education from Boston State College. She was an educator in the Natick Public Schools for 39 years. Barbara was a resident of Newton for 64 years and, in 1973, bought a home on Cape Cod where she would spend the next 50 summers enjoying the laid- back Cape lifestyle. Whether sitting on the settee, entertaining friends or enjoying the beach, it was a welcoming retreat.

Barbara loved a good adventure. She traveled the world with family and a large circle of trusted and beloved friends, touching down on four of the seven continents. She enjoyed her porch down the cape, traveling to New York for Broadway shows, any exercise class, yellow dogs, and dessert food - especially ice cream. She couldn't cook.

She was a master at the New York Times crossword puzzle. She was the only member of our family who could complete the Sunday puzzle without cheating. She appreciated art in all forms and was a patron of Boston theater and local museums. She was creative and active, trying her hand at photography, knitting, quilting, tennis, swimming, spinning, and biking. Wickedly smart and fiercely independent, Barbara was a woman ahead of her time. She will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her sister Joan McSweeney and husband Terrence of Newton, MA, niece Lauren B. McSweeney of West Yarmouth, MA, nephew Michael McSweeney, wife Lynette, and their children Michael, Patrick, and Addyson of Waltham, MA, and brother John and wife Carole Doherty of South Carolina and their children Janet and Jack.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses of Newton Wellesley Hospital (6E) and Good Shepard Hospice for their compassion, kindness, and care.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours Wednesday, December 21, 2022, form 12PM-2PM in the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St. West Newton. A brief prayer service will be held at the conclusion of the visiting hours at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter (e.g., SAVE A DOG, Sudbury).