Barbara J. (McDonough) Hellings, 81, of Bedford, died September 12, 2015 at Bedford Falls surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Lawrence, MA on August 31, 1934 to Arthur and Gertrude (Maxwell) McDonough. She lived most of her life in the Manchester area.
Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for many years, retiring in 2004 from New Hampshire Cardiology in Manchester.
She was a former member of the Ladies Guild at St. Francis of Assisi Church and served on the CYO Athletic Board along with her husband for several years. She enjoyed sports, especially the Boston Celtics, and was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren in their sporting endeavors.
Her motto of “family comes first” showed in her devotion to her loved ones. She will be remembered as a proud and loving matriarch who leaves a legacy of 10 children, 25 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Hellings in 1989; her son, Brian Hellings in 2013; and by two brothers, John McDonough and Arthur McDonough.
The family includes nine children, Patricia Gamache and her husband, Rod, of Washington, Carol Carter and her husband, Ron, of Manchester, Barbara Schanck and her husband, Mike, of Hooksett, Richard Hellings and his wife, Jennifer, of Weare, Mary Beth St. Laurent and her husband, Dave, of Manchester, Susan Carty and her husband, Rich, of Litchfield, Paul Hellings and his wife, Trisha, of Deerfield, Kristin Noble and her husband, Jeff, of Bedford and Lisa Therrien and her husband, Nick, of Londonderry; three siblings, Patricia Moore of Northwood, Gertrude Fowler of Allenstown and James McDonough and his wife, Phyllis, of Acton, MA; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St., Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Pine Grove Cemetery, Calef Road, Manchester.
Memorial donations may be made to New Hampshire Catholic Charities, 215 Myrtle St., Manchester, NH 03104.