Published in the April 15, 2016 edition
NEEDHAM — Elizabeth A. Barnes, 90, of Needham, formerly of West Medford, died on April 8.
Elizabeth was born in Medford on Oct. 12, 1925 to Charles C. and Alice (McDonald) Barnes. She was raised in West Medford and graduated from Medford High School. Elizabeth lived briefly in Stoneham, before moving to Needham, where she has lived for the past 40 years. Elizabeth went straight to work out of high school at Boston Gas during World War II. She remained there for over 50 years and worked her way up to be the highest ranking female employee at the company. Even after retirement, she continued to work there as a consultant on a part-time basis. She was a very intelligent and accomplished woman who worked very hard her entire life.
The Catholic Faith was very important to her. Elizabeth was a longtime member and active parishioner at St. Bartholomew Church in Needham, and also did volunteer work at St. John’s Seminary. Elizabeth loved Cape Cod and was an avid swimmer. She always enjoyed swimming at Rosemary Lake in Needham. Elizabeth was a very quiet, private person, who was always there for her nieces and nephews. She took very good care of her mother as she grew old. Elizabeth will be greatly missed by all of the family she leaves behind.
She was the loving daughter of the late Charles and Alice (McDonald) Barnes. She was the loving sister of Samuel A. Barnes and his wife Mary of Medford and the late Katherine E. Crowder, James F. Barnes, Charles C. Barnes, John L. Barnes and Donald J. Barnes. She is also survived by 21 nieces and nephews; numerous grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 15 from 8-9:15 a.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held following the visitation at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 1180 Greendale Ave., Needham. Interment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.
