Avid reader, lover of coffee ice cream and Red Sox fan
Published August 14, 2019
LYNNFIELD — Martha Francis Barbas, 89, peacefully departed to heaven on Aug. 7, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. Her firm belief in God and her devotion to Jesus Christ supported her throughout her life, ultimately giving her peace – the one thing she always spoke of “peace.”
Martha was born to the late Alice and Frank Znotas of Hyde Park. There she lived throughout her childhood with her extended family. Martha was immersed in the Catholic community that would be her lifelong support.
Martha was blessed with a loving family. Together with her late husband George Priestley, they built a home and family in Saugus. After George’s untimely passing at age 46, Martha carried on as the sole supporter of her children. After many years, she was blessed to have met the second love of her life: Ernie Barbas of Woburn. Together, they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to enjoy their golden years. She lost Ernie in 2014. At the ripe young age of 85, she became a proud breast cancer survivor.
Martha was an avid reader, a die hard Red Sox fan, and lover of coffee ice cream. Every night she looked forward to her phone call from her beloved Patsy. She taught us that every day was a blessing and she was ever so grateful for the blessings bestowed upon her.
Martha leaves behind her daughter Christine and her husband Dennis; her son Kevin and his wife Linda; her son Richard; and her son Robert and his wife Lauri. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ariel, Baylee, Harlee, Andrew, Lindsay, Kimberly, Christal and April as well as eight great-grandchildren. She is survived by her loving sisters Patricia Sullivan and Mary Hughes. She was predeceased by her sister Ally Carbone and her brother Father Joseph Znotas.
Martha’s funeral will be celebrated at Saint Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield on Friday, Aug. 16 at 12 p.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the church prior to the funeral, beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers and in celebration of Martha’s life, her wishes were for donations to be made in her honor to The Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance. In order to make a donation, visit https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=EssexCCF&d2tool=funds.
