Published in the May 26, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Barbara A. (Leary) Longmuir, 94, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Goffstown, NH, on Wednesday, May 17.
Barbara was born in Somerville on January 28, 1923, one of five children of the late Walter Leary and Hilda (Friel) Leary. Raised in Revere, she graduated from Revere High School, married William M. Longmuir Jr. and settled in Melrose to raise a family of four children.
Barbara was a kind and devoted mother whose first priority was her family. Always lending a hand, she could not do enough to help her children as they grew up. As a young mother of twin girls, she helped start the “Mother of Twins Club” in Melrose. In her free time, she would regularly take the bus into Malden center and go shopping.
She was always looking for a good deal, and would often return home with gifts for Bill or her children.
With her roots in Revere, Barbara loved the ocean, and had a special love for Revere Beach, where she met her husband Bill. Later in life, she also enjoyed weekends away in the Lakes Region with family during the summer. Known for always having her hair in a bun, Barbara was a classy woman who took pride in her appearance. She also loved animals, dancing with Bill, and kept her faith close to her heart. She will be lovingly remembered.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late William M. Longmuir, Jr. with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of William M. Longmuir, III of Newport, ME, Stephen A. Longmuir (Owner of Stephen’s Auto Body) and his wife Francee of Topsfield, Diane M. Drake of New Boston, NH, and Deborah A. Jewers and her husband David of New Boston, NH. She was the dear sister of the late Walter Leary, Jr., Jackie Leary, Dorothy Rush, and Margaret Armstrong. She was the cherished grandmother of William IV, Spencer, Charles, Angela, Scott, Stephanie, Denise, Michele, and David, Jr. Loving great-grandmother of Nico, Lucciano, Lily, Gabriel, Dominic, Maria, Jacob, Grant, Liam, and Madeline. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Barbara’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, May 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and again on Monday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose for her funeral mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
