Barbara M. (Welch) Miller

NEWBURYPORT, MA - Barbara Marie (Welch) Miller, 93, of Newburyport, MA passed away peacefully from natural causes on April 10, 2020. 

Barbara was a lifelong resident of Newburyport, the fourth of five children born to the late William H. and Grace Lillian (Langley) Welch. She was a communicant at St. Louis DeGonzague and a member of the Newburyport High School Class of 1944. 

Barbara worked for several local businesses primarily as a bookkeeper. She started her career with Volpone Motor Company, where she met her husband Robert. She was employed by Chase’s Flowers, Brown Sign Company, the Puritan clothing store and then with Miller Auto Supply, the family business. She retired in 1989 as branch manager for Eastern Bank on Storey Avenue. 

In retirement, she was a founding member of “The Golden Girls,” enjoying outings with cherished friends. She was a lifelong Newburyport Clipper fan, loved to watch Boston Red Sox and especially enjoyed their 2004 World Series win.

Barbara adored and was adored by her family. She leaves behind her devoted daughters, Martha Miller and partner Ron Rieder of Andover, MA, Roberta Homan and husband Scott of Merrimac, MA, and Jane O’Connor and husband Michael of Newburyport, MA. The lights of her life were her six grandchildren; Meaghan Cassidy and Mark Cassidy, Laura Homan and Elise Homan, and Ryan O’Connor and Elizabeth O’Connor. She also leaves her loving brother Thomas Welch and his wife Janice, along with many caring nieces and nephews. Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Robert, sisters Grace Audrey Melican and Margaret Porter, and brother William H. Welch, Jr.

Barbara and Bob shared over 60 years of marriage before his death in 2015. Barbara passed away on what would have been Bob’s 100th birthday.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Elizabeth Calsey House for the wonderful care they gave. We are grateful for all they did providing a fun, warm and safe home environment during her final years.

Mass at Immaculate Conception Church followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery will be private. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950, is assisting the family with her funeral arrangements.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the attention of Deborah Dastoli, Elizabeth Calsey House, 15 Elizabeth St., Amesbury, MA 01913.

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