SWANSEA – Barbara A. Welker, age 76, formerly of Smoke Rise Circle, Swansea, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Albert Peter Welker Jr. and the daughter of the late Raymond A. McMullen and Gilda S. (Netto) McMullen. Prior to retiring, Barbara worked several years as a Sales Associate for Sears Dept. Store and Sears Home Life Store in Swansea.
Barbara loved to host and attend family events, especially her grandchildren’s activities, whom she absolutely loved, adored, and brought a giant smile to her face every time she was with them. She was a wiz at answering “Jeopardy” questions and crossword puzzles, not the easy ones, the difficult newspaper puzzles.
She was affectionately known by several names. Her children called her “Ma”, her grandchildren called her “Bobbie” (short for Barbara), her sister, brothers, extended family & friends called her “Barbara” or “Auntie Barbara”. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s athletic accomplishments. Whether it be Kaitlyn’s gymnastic meets, Aliyah’s softball games, or Caleb’s football games, or wrestling matches. She was also very proud of their academic achievements and how they were developing into fine, well rounded, well respected adults. She will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends.
Survivors include her children: Kristen E. Raposa (husband William) of Somerset, Hayley A. (Welker) Carreiro (husband Louis) of Montgomery, AL, and Glen P. Welker (wife Susan) of Somerset; her beloved grandchildren: Kaitlyn E. & Derek Raposa, Aliyah J. & Caleb P. Welker; her sister: Janice E. Sears (late husband Jerry) of Somerset; her brothers: Kenneth McMullen (wife Janet) of Somerset & Raymond A. McMullen Jr. (wife Margaret) of St. Petersburg, FL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, & a great nephew.
Barbara’s family would like to thank the staff of Steward Hospice, especially her nurse Betsy and her social worker Mary, for their love and care for their mother.
Her Funeral Service will take place in the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. 1521 N. Main St., Fall River on Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. Interment in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI. Calling hours Tuesday from 5-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105