Barbara E. Hill of Medway, passed away after a brief illness Friday morning August 4th, 2023 at the age of 86.
Born on September 6, 1936 in Waltham; daughter of the late Robert E. Emery and Jennie (MacDonald) Emery; Barbara was raised in Watertown and had been a Medway resident since 1960.
After graduating from Watertown High School, Barbara attended the Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. She later decided to continue her education and graduated from Emmanuel College at the age of 50 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Barbara spent most of her career as a surgical nurse at Framingham Union Hospital, rising to the position of Head Nurse of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. She also participated in several medical missions to Ecuador.
After retiring, Barbara enjoyed traveling the world with her husband Len and was pleased to have visited all 7 continents. She made a point of decorating their home with the many beautiful works of art discovered during their travels. Barbara had a particular love of the village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and the couple spent a month there each summer.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonard Hill. She is survived by her children, son Steve Hill, daughter Jini Hill and her husband John Abbondanza, and her cherished granddaughter Nicole Abbondanza. In addition, she is survived by her dear sisters Connie Greenberg and Janet Pond, who were also her best friends, and her brother-in-law Kevin Pond, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, no services will be held. She believed she led a charmed and wonderful life and was ready to move on.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Homes, 3 Barber Street in Medway (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).