Published November 30, 2018
MELROSE — Michelle E. M. Barbati, 65, died peacefully on Sunday, November 18, 2018 surrounded by family. Born September 23, 1953, daughter of Dr. Alfonso C. Mandrachia and Eloise (Saunders) Mandrachia, Michelle was raised and educated in Melrose, and spent her career working in the medical field, for practitioners in Everett and Melrose.
As a life-long Melrose resident, she grew many deep and long-lasting friendships with classmates and neighbors. She was active in the community for many years, contributing to high school organizations in her youth, as well as the Winthrop Elementary PTO and Melrose Sharing and Caring while raising her three children. Michelle enjoyed social groups too – neighborhood book clubs and the “Stratford Wives” bowling group topped her list.
Michelle was full of life and happiness and could always be found with a smile on her face. She enjoyed many hobbies such as skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She had a passion for gardening and could frequently be found in her garden, extending the skill of her green thumb. An ardent fan of the Boston Bruins, Michelle enjoyed cheering on the B’s. She loved her family and truly understood the importance of staying close. She had the ability to keep everyone connected no matter the distance between them, and was thrilled to be a grandmother. Her family and friends will remember her for her tremendous grace, warm and welcoming nature, immense kindness, selfless generosity, and fun-loving sense of humor. She touched the lives of everyone she interacted with and will truly be missed.
She is survived by her loving husband Joseph, her three children, all of whom miss her dearly: Alexander Barbati and his wife Mekala Krishnan along with their daughter Mira; Matthew Barbati; and Cora Barbati. She is also survived by her siblings Susan Kenny Killebrew of Newport, R.I.; Priscilla Mandrachia and husband Vincent Ferraro of South Hadley; and A. Charles Mandrachia, Jr. of West Newbury.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Michelle can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to advance Multiple Myeloma research under the direction of Dr. Ken Anderson. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. A memorial remembrance will be held at a later date.
