Barbara M. Horan

Barbara M. Horan, 97, of West Boylston and formerly of Worcester, died Thursday August 3, 2023 at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Her husband of 51 years, John R. Horan, died in 1999.

Barbara leaves two sons, John R. Horan Jr. and his wife Maureen of Sudbury, Dennis P. Horan and his wife Lynne of Worcester; four daughters, Mary R. Wilson and her husband James of Osterville, Catherine Bell Kempthorne and her husband Peter of Ipswich, Eileen C. LeStrange and her husband Paul of Worcester, and Nancy C. Adams and her husband Kevin of Plymouth.  She had eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Barbara was born in Worcester, daughter of Kosti and Edna Rita (McWade) Tomolonius.  She had lived in West Boylston for more than fifteen years.

Barbara graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1942 and Worcester State College in 1946.  She earned a Master's Degree from Worcester State College in 1975.

Barbara had a long and dedicated career as a reading teacher in the Worcester Public School system, including Providence Street Junior High School and Worcester South High School, where she was known as an exceptionally effective instructor. 

She was a former parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Worcester and was a current member of St. Mary of the Hills in Boylston.

In retirement she enjoyed classes at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education.

Barbara enjoyed travel to the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land and always had a special affinity for her many visits to Ireland.

In memory of Mrs. Horan, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 125 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02451 (www.mspcc.org/donate/). 

There will be a funeral Mass Thursday, August 10, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St., Boylston.  Burial will be private.

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