Barbara P. Calnan

Barbara P. (Rist) Calnan, age 91, passed away in the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts on Monday, May 16, 2016. Born in the Jamaica Plain area of Boston on April 19, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Bernard J. and Frances (Homer) Rist. Barbara was raised in Jamaica Plain and attended Boston Public Schools. After graduation, she took a position with S.S. Pierce Company in their Boston and Chestnut Hill Stores.

On September 14, 1947, Barbara married her husband, Joseph E. Calnan, and together they made their home in Jamaica Plain. She transitioned from the working world to become a stay at home Mother, raising and caring for her young family. Barbara and Joseph moved their young family to Bloomfield, Connecticut, where Barbara began her volunteer service with the March of Dimes West Hartford Location in 1953. After a short stay in Connecticut, the family returned to Massachusetts, settling in Walpole in 1961. Barbara continued her volunteer work with the March of Dimes until 1966. She also joined the Walpole Republican Committee and was the delegate to every State Convention from 1969 through 1998. Her volunteer work did not end with politics, as she was a dedicated member of the Norwood Hospital Auxillary.

Beloved wife of the late Joseph E. Calnan.
Loving mother of Joseph B. Calnan and his wife Kirstin of South Boston and Christine Pitts and her husband Jeffrey of Glenmont, NY.
Cherished grandmother of Carson Pitts, Calvin Pitts and his wife Colleen, and Samuel Pitts and his wife Melanie and great grandmother of Lilia, Timothy, Evelyn, Benen, Ryland and Callie.
Sister of the late Robert Rist.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Barbara's Life Celebration on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 10-11 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Walpole Area VNA, P.O. Box 252, Walpole, MA 02081.