Barton, Stephanie Ann (Purcell) of Attleboro, and long-time resident of Needham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2018, surrounded by her family. Stephanie was the beloved wife of the late Robert B. Barton, Sr. for six decades.
Stephanie leaves behind her seven children and their families: Robert Jr. and Sallie Barton of Attleboro, Ken and Su Barton of Londonderry NH, John and Jean Barton of Haverhill, Stephanie and Jim Mahoney of Winchendon, Kathy and Rob Sutherland of Framingham, Susan and James Ridlen of Mansfield, and Amy and James “Jay” Adams of Windham NH. She is the proud and loving grandmother of eighteen grandchildren and their spouses as well as seven great-grandchildren.
On November 26, 1935, Stephanie and her twin brother Jimmy were the first children born to their parents James M. Sr. and Carmen T. Purcell in Newton, Massachusetts. Stephanie is predeceased by her husband and parents, her brother David Purcell (infancy), and her brother Steven Purcell, of Southborough, MA. Stephanie is survived by her twin James M. Purcell Jr., and her sisters Paula (Purcell) Kelley of Marlborough, April (Purcell) Barrett and her husband Dr. M. James Barrett, and Mary (Burns) Purcell.
Stephanie graduated from Our Lady’s High School and Lasell Jr. College in Newton, Massachusetts. She was a talented secretary and served for several years as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal of St. Joseph’s School in Needham. She was deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, and played an active role in the St. Joseph’s community, serving as a Eucharistic minister, co-chairperson of the Christmas Bazaar, Girl Scout Leader, and recipient of the St. Anne’s Medal for her lifetime of service and her lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Stephanie considered her faith, her family and her friends to be her most precious blessings. An active listener, hers was the gift of gentle encouragement. She knew how to be present for each individual, even in a crowded gathering.
We will miss Stephanie and her tight hugs, conversation and sage words of wit and wisdom.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-8PM on Tuesday, February 27 at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave, NEEDHAM. Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Needham will be celebrated at 10am Wednesday February 28th. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephanie’s memory to Delta Projects, 118 Allied Drive, Dedham, MA 02026.