Barbara J. (Lafferty) Parnell, 83, of Dartmouth passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the wife of the late Jasper W. Parnell, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Simonne (Robert) Lafferty, she was raised in New Bedford and later moved to Dartmouth where she resided for many years.
Barbara was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church in Dartmouth where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and brought Holy Communion to homebound parishioners and patients at St. Luke's Hospital.
She was formerly employed as a medical secretary for Dr. Collins for many years until his retirement. She was then employed by Healthcare for Women until her retirement.
Barbara loved travelling, especially to Myrtle Beach, and visiting family in Georgia and North Carolina. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending all of their events whether it be dance recitals, school events, or watching one of their baseball, basketball, football, field hockey, or soccer games.
She is survived by her three children, Susan Goodwin and her partner Skip Kaiser, David Parnell, and James Parnell and his wife Kimberly; seven grandchildren, Alex Goodwin, Elyse Goodwin, Emily Goodwin, David Parnell, Madison Parnell, Harrison Parnell, and Olivia Parnell; her sister, Patricia Dreher; and her brother, Steven Lafferty.
She was predeceased by her grandson, Andrew Goodwin; and four siblings, Joseph, Michael, Bruce, and Maureen.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church, Dartmouth at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, October 5th from 4-7 PM. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.