Barbara M McKenna

Barbara McKenna, age 81, entered eternal peace with our heavenly Father on October 18, 2020.

She was born in Boston to Bridget Flanagan of Co. Galway, Ireland and Edward Flanagan of Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Barbara grew up in Jamaica Plain with her brother, and life-long friend, Ed Flanagan.  She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and later married Dennis McKenna of Brighton, MA.  She served for decades as a public school librarian and dedicated her working-life to the children of Boston.

Barbara’s greatest joys in life were her six children; Mary Dorothy, Dennis, Kevin, Matthew, Richard and David; and her nine grandchildren; Meaghan, Liam, Natalia, Aidan, Ainsley, Brayden, Jacob, Ewan & Brohdy.

Her faith in God was resolute and unwavering, enabling her to live life without fear or complaint and with hope and kindness toward all.  Like the poor widow in the Bible, she once gave away to the church the very last of her money despite having to support a large family.  Barbara welcomes all to the family home, hosting exchange students and countless graduations and other parties where everyone was always invited and all felt at home.  Barbara  passed peacefully in her home.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday afternoon from 1:00pm to 2:30 pm at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home, 22 Oak Street, Hyde Park.  Relatives and friends invited.  Please wear a mask and respect social distancing.   Funeral Services and Interment will be private.  Please in lieu of flowers all donations can be made to Dana Farber or St. Anne's Parish.

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