Barbara A. Sharkey of Brockton, died on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Helena (Peterson) Sharkey. She was a graduate of Brockton High School Class of 1950 and Chandler School for Women in 1952.
Barbara started her full-time career at the Brockton Pubic Library in 1952, a career that spanned 40 years and she retired in 1992 as Associate Library Director. She was best known to the public for 33 years of planning and hosting the Library’s Winter Travel Series, as well as National Library Week celebrations, Christmas concerts and, in later years, art exhibitions.
At the time of her retirement, Barbara was honored by having the auditorium designated as the Barbara A. Sharkey Memorial Auditorium. In 1992, the Mass. Senate passed a special resolution to congratulate her on her 40 years of service and leadership to the City for her volunteer work. Over the years, she volunteered at the Brockton Hospital, Lakeville Hospital, American Red Cross, USO and, after retirement, at the Caritas Good Samaritan Hospital. In 1980, Barbara was appointed by Mayor Crosby to serve on the City’s Equal Employment Advisory Committee. She also served as a Founding Director of the David E. Crosby Scholarship Fund in memory of the late Mayor who was a long-time friend of Miss Sharkey. Over the years she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Bahamas, Caribbean and Europe. After her retirement, she attended Elderhostel programs in New England and in the South. She was a communicant of St. Edward Church and in later years Our Lady of Lourdes. She was a member of the 20th Century Catholic Club and a national and local member of AARP. Barbara was proud of her Irish, French and Swedish ancestry.
Barbara is survived by her sister Joan Ivestor of Sandwich, six nieces and nephews and 29 grand and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Sharkey and her brother Charles Sharkey,
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara’s family on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 8:45 am to 9:45 am, in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 435 West Street, Brockton. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105