A well-loved woman whose kindness will be missed
MELROSE — Barbara A. (Battaglioli) Fortune, a resident of Melrose, passed away at home on Friday, April 15, 2022 at age 80.
Barbara was born in Cambridge on April 3, 1942, daughter of the late Leo Battaglioli and Margaret (Ramsdell) Battaglioli. Raised in Somerville, and Miami, Florida, Barbara graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1960. At age 23, Barbara was one of a select group of women who enlisted in the United State Coast Guard. Known in the Coast Guard as SPARs or “Semper Paratus – Always Ready,” Barbara served her country proudly and remained patriotic throughout her life. She met her husband and fellow member of the USCG, settling in Melrose to raise a family of three children. For many years, Barbara was the smiling, familiar face to customers as the office manager at Faulkner’s Cleansing on Franklin St. in Melrose.
Barbara’s true north and essence in life was her family. She prioritized spending quality time through weekly family dinners, and hosting her children and grandchildren any time. For many years, she found joy on Front Beach in Rockport where she could relax with family and a view of the ocean. In her free time, she was an avid reader, and devout parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church.
Barbara was a well-loved woman whose affable, easy smile endeared herself to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed, but her kindness, love for laughter, and family values will be cherished forever.
Barbara was the devoted mother of Faith Fortune of Melrose, Mark Fortune of Acton, and Stefanie Toppi and her husband, Joseph, of Methuen. Cherished grandmother of Nate Fortune, Cara Fortune, Bryce Macedo and his wife, Stacy and Cameron Macedo. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, April 19 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for her funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com. 
