Barbara Joanne (Badavas) Teittinen passed away at home on July 25, 2023 following a protracted illness.
Barbara was born on September 17, 1946, in Boston, MA to the late Bert and Angela (Calliontzis) Badavas. Barbara was raised in Jamaica Plain and Weymouth with her two sisters. She was always surrounded by family and remained close to her cousins throughout her life. After graduating high school Barbara attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where she received a degree in Psychology and met her husband, Eric. Barbara and Eric were married for fifty-three years and lived in multiple states in the U.S. before settling back in Massachusetts to raise their son Matti.
Barbara completed her master’s degree at Lesley University with a degree in Non-Profit Management. She worked over fifteen years in non-profit agencies including Easter Seals as the Massachusetts Northeast Regional Director and Executive Director of the Lawrence Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also served as the Executive Director of The Children’s Place in Concord New Hampshire. Barbara was passionate about helping those who needed it most. Barbara also had a big heart when it came to animals and helped to rescue cats and get them the medical care they needed. After retirement, Barbara resumed her interest in art and developed a passion for flowers. She and Eric also enjoyed travelling in the US and internationally. Above all, Barbara loved spending time with family, especially her two grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Eric, of Londonderry, NH, her son Matti and his wife Leigh, and two grandchildren, Daniel and Jane, of Melrose, MA. She is also survived by her sister Maria Green and her husband, Ronald, of Bedford, MA, and her twin sister, Linda Rossetti, of Lincoln, CA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Massachusetts SPCA or local animal shelter.