Barbara J. Buonaugurio, age 86, of Danvers passed away on Tuesday, July 30th, at Sunrise Living Center in Lynnfield. Born in New Haven, CT, she was the daughter of the late John R. and Jane (McCormick) Leonard. Barbara was employed for many years as a bookkeeper, and was a long-time Medford resident.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Peter J. Buonaugurio, and the devoted mother of John Buonaugurio and his wife Kathleen of Medford, and Mary Vetree and her husband Wayne of Danvers. She was the loving grandmother of Stephen Vetree and his wife Diane of Peabody, Kristina Vetree of Haverhill and her partner, Jeff Courtney, and Ryan Buonaugurio of Medford. Barbara was the cherished great grandmother (Minnie), of Aisley Vetree and Benjamin Buonaugurio. She was the dear sister of the late John Leonard, Joseph Leonard and Shirley Shepherd.
Barbara truly thrived through loving her family. Her favorite phrase to share with those she admired deeply was, “love you more”. Her husband, Peter, was her one true love and soulmate. Her passion for this love carried through her loved ones. She dedicated her admiration and time to her family. This included surprise pop ins with Mary and Aisley, reminding her of years past with Mary and Kristina. Picking up after her yard, and improving her home with John. Her brightening dinner catch ups with Kristina. Watching Steven and Aisley play on the living room floor as Aisley grew before their eyes under Steven’s watch. Holidays with the Vetrees. Surprise visits to the vineyard to go to the beach with John, Kathy, Ryan and Benji, and sleep-overs at Ryan and Benji’s a house.
Barbara most cherished being “Minnie” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always ready for them with a warm welcome, her hair and makeup all done, even if you popped in for a surprise visit.
Hopefully now she is living her dream of once again holding Peter’s hand, reminiscing the best days driving to Old Orchard Beach and Salisbury listening to oldies. Getting pier french fries or pizza, with her once young children, then growing grandchildren, and maybe wondering how beautiful it would have been to do with their great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit Barbara’s family on Thursday, August 1st in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, from 10 AM through 12 PM, with a service in the funeral home at noon. Services will conclude with burial at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody.