Barbara E. (Thomson) Kelliher's Obituary
Barbara E. (Thomson) Kelliher, 95, resident of Methuen, MA, and Pawtucket, RI, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with her family by her side at Methuen Village, an assistance living facility.
Barbara was born in Methuen, MA on March 6, 1929, and was the daughter of Alma (Chateauneuf) Thomson & Walter Thomson.
Barbara was raised in Methuen and graduated from Searles High School, Class of 1946 and later earned a degree in nursing from St John’s School of Nursing in Lowell, MA, graduating in 1949. As a nurse, she worked in the Methuen hospital. She joined the army in 1951 during the Korean War where she served as nurse and First Lieutenant earning her the Korean Service Ribbon with a bronze service star.
Upon returning home, she married and was blessed with a son, Walter Michael
“Mickey” Kelliher. Barbara resided in Pawtucket, RI where she began to raise her family and continued her nursing career in area hospitals. She retired working as a blood bank nurse.
Barbara was a staunch Catholic and supported Catholic charities. She had a unique sense of humor, earning her the nickname, “Cornball”. She loved animals and frequently told stories about her dog, Gunner, an English Bulldog. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, cooking and baking for others. She often visited her family’s camp on Lake Attitash in Merrimac, MA. She especially enjoyed reading novels in the early morning on the dock. She was known for and had an exceptional memory for the family’s history. Barbara made a favorable impression on everyone she met and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Barbara was the wife of the late Philip Kelliher. She was the loving mother of the late Walter M. “Mickey” Kelliher. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to calling hours on Saturday July 27, 2024, from 9 am to 10 am at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am in St. Monica Parish, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA, followed by burial in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 29 Barker St., Lawrence, MA.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Barbara’s memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kelliher family.
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