Barbara Ann (Sweeney) Purcell of Tewksbury, passed away at the age of 85 years old on August 1, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life Richard "Dick" Purcell spending 32 wonderful years together before his passing in 2022. Barbara was the loving mother of Bill Trites and his wife Lori of Wilmington, Joanne Bennett and her husband Kevin of Tewksbury. Cherished grandmother of Nicole Bennett and her fiancé Joe Avon of Tyngsboro, Tyler Trites and his wife Michelle of Londonderry NH, Heather Trites of Brighton, Jill Moro and Jim Butler of Wakefield. Great grandmother to Brock Butler and Emma Trites.

Barbara was born in Malden on August 8, 1940 to the late Francis and Alice Sweeney. Barbara was raised in Malden graduating from Malden High School in 1958. As a true Maldonian, she remained there making a home and raising her children. Barabara was a very active member of the Malden Community serving on The Malden Housing Committee as well as the Malden Council of Arts for many years.

Barbara was a staple in the Malden banking community and was a knowledgeable and friendly face to her customers for many years. She worked in various banks over her 35 year career starting as a teller with Malden Savings Bank. She had a personal connection with many of her customers supporting and providing guidance in banks such as Malden Savings,The Bank for Savings, Medford Bank and East Boston Savings Bank. She retired from Citizens Bank as an Assistant Vice President in 2005.

Barbara and Dick spent many years as members of the Riverside Yacht Club in Medford They enjoyed many weekends on the water on Dick's boat "The Cutabove." They were avid travelers and enjoyed traveling with friends. Their favorite destinations were Aruba, Siesta Key and loved to go on cruises. Barbara truly cherished her family and enjoyed any time spent together with them. She treasured the special times traveling with family and grandchildren over the years to New Hampshire, Maine and Disney World. She loved watching sports on TV, particularly the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, yet she was the only Boston sports fan to dislike Tom Brady!

To be closer to family, Barbara and Dick moved to Tewksbury in 2020. Barbara was an active member of the Chelmsford Senior Center and attended their Day Program which she thoroughly enjoyed. She made so many friendships and connections there and looked forward to attending every day.

Barbara will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster Street Melrose. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11 AM at the Gately Funeral Home. Internment will be at Forest Dale Cemetery 150 Forest, Street Malden. Family & Friends respectfully invited to attend.