Barbara A. Tahhan-Petrella passed away at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Tuesday, December 19th at the young age of 68.
Raised just outside of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Barbara was the daughter of the late Mary Asaley Tahhan. She grew up in a tightknit family and was a bright student and accomplished diver at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. After graduation, she enjoyed a successful career in banking. After leaving the banking profession, to keep busy she went to work at Donuts With a Difference in Medford Square. There, she was a much beloved worker who welcomed her customers with her customary warmth, kindness and the ability to remember what everyone wanted at the counter.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, daughter, niece and friend to many. A Medford resident for many years, she loved trips to the beach and visits to Mohegan Sun. She looked forward to quiet time at home when she read novels and magazines. She and Peter loved to welcome their friends and family to their home for dinners or just to hang out. A woman with a great sense for fashion and style, Barbara loved glitz and glam and had a phenomenal collection of shoes. She even had a collection of miniature porcelain shoes as well as Elvis and Flintstones memorabilia. Barbara was determined and strong throughout her illness. She inspired many and as much as she was supported by the love of family and friends, she supported them with her courage and compassion.
The beloved wife of Peter L. Petrella, with whom she was together for 40 years , Barbara was a loving mother to Jenna Rose Petrella. Barbara leaves her special and devoted uncle, Edward “Uncle Eddie” Asaley who was predeceased by his wife Judy. She was the niece of the late Margaret Dayie and her husband Jimmy. She was an awesome “Glama” to Sky and Moose. She was the dear sister in law of John Petrella and his wife Daria, Sara Riley and her husband Michael, and Kathy Petrella and her late husband James, and the daughter law of the late Sebastiano "Yano" and Rita Petrella. Barbara also leaves many dear nieces, nephews and devoted friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, December 26th from 4 – 8 PM and to gather on Wednesday at Noon for a funeral service in the funeral home. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
Barbara’s family is particularly grateful for the care and support given by the doctors and nurses at Brigham and Women’s and Dana Farber.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or to the Dear Jack Foundation via their website, https://www.dearjackfoundation.org.