Barbara J. Scott (Jackson), 80, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Melrose surrounded by family after a short illness. Beloved wife of John P. O’Neil, proud mother of Laura, Brian and his wife Antonette, David, and Samantha Scott and her partner Sarah Stevenson. Loving and devoted “Baba” to Jackson Burdick and Charlie and Sophia Scott.

Born and raised in Medford, Barbara was the daughter of the late Tina and Raymond Jackson of Medford. Loving sister to Tom “Jack” Jackson and wife Janice of Marshfield, Ray and Kathleen Jackson of Andover, Ann Jackson Hill and Shannon Hill of Carlisle, and Sam and Patricia Jackson, of Hillsborough, New Jersey and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara devoted herself to raising her family in Melrose. She had a very strong work ethic and worked many years at Instrumentation Laboratory before retiring and spent that time with family and her grandchildren cheering at hockey, baseball games, dance recitals and cheering competitions. She was very proud of her family. Baba and Jackson shared a special relationship, and she never missed one of his games and was his biggest supporter. She also had a soft spot whenever a Lego store was around. One of her biggest passions was football and it was something her grandchildren loved to do with her. She knew sports and was something they could relate to and they loved watching them together. She loved to travel to Bermuda, Florida and Reno and many dinner parties with friends. Wherever there was a good time, she was there. She enjoyed a number of years living on the water in Chelsea before moving back to Melrose where she spent the last of her days at The Residence making new friends and old ones, who will miss her dearly.

Friends and family are invited to attend visiting hours at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford. Burial to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the  Alzheimer's/Dementia Foundation