Barbara Mulligan

Barbara Anne Mulligan (née Healey) passed away Saturday, December 7th, 2024 with loving family by her side. Barbara was born in Southie and, after a short time in New London, CT, she returned there where she graduated St. Augustine's High School in 1962. Friendships made during these years have lasted her lifetime. 

Barbara was predeceased by her parents John and Anna Healey (Kelly) and her son Christopher Mulligan. She is survived by her beloved husband John Mulligan of Weymouth as well as her loving daughters: Kerry Railey and her husband Mike, and Katie Mulligan and her husband Bill. Barbara was a Mammy of unmatched proportions to Rosie Mae, Conor, Molly and Ramona, and a very special Auntie to Keenan and Aidan. Barbara is also survived by her dear brothers, Michael Healey and John Healey. Her late sister-in-law Maryanne Healey held a special place in her heart. 

Barbara was a teacher at the Nash School in Weymouth for over 20 years and was cherished by all the students and staff who knew her. During her lifetime she also spent years working at “the phone company,” South Shore Hospital, The Head Start Program, The South Boston Health Center, and her friend Mary’s home daycare, as well as her own. She was the loud leader of many a parent council and “drama parent” groups, and was the constant cheerleader at all of Chris’s baseball and hockey games. 

Her life was filled with laughter, dancing, and delicious food. Known for her turkey dinners, absurdly clean home, joyous family Christmas cards (52 years straight!), and most of all, her big bright smile, Barbara made you feel at home even if you were a stranger. She laughed from her toes and listened with her heart. She took risks and went on adventures as long as she possibly could. She got her first tattoo in her sixties and rocked out with B-Side Charlie into her late seventies. She loved watching both of her daughters on stage so much, she often joined them herself. She was the leader of the Unfinished Women’s Book Club which met for over 20 years. Barbara held her friendships in the highest regard, and took care of everyone she could. Even if she didn’t know you well, if she heard you were struggling, you would get a card in the mail, written in her perfect Catholic-school penmanship. Barbara took care of people. 

Barbara wanted peace for everyone. She looked for heart shaped rocks and signs from the universe. She believed in being silly and finding joy. She was especially incredible at taking care of babies and children; her patience unmatched. Countless families relied on her to help raise their kids in one way or another, and while Kerry, Katie and Chris are listed as her children here, we know there are many who consider her to be a second “mum” or “auntie” to them too. With their beautiful homes in Southie and Weymouth, especially “the basement,” Barbara and John were constant and excellent hosts; their gatherings full of love, laughter, and the best kind of noise. 

Barbara loved Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, The Beatles, Friends, 24, Rogers and Hammerstein musicals, The Enchanted Village and the lights at La Salette, Snickers candy bars, books, books, and more books. She played soccer in the driveway with her grandkids even during the years she needed a walker, and she let them teach her when she forgot something. She loved to BLAST music while she cleaned her house and would keep the windows open even if it was 20 degrees out. To her, nothing beat Sully’s fries and a hot dog.

During the final years of Barbara’s life, she suffered from Lewy Body Dementia. It was a long, difficult road, but one that she fought tooth and nail until the very end. She entertained the folks at her nursing home with her fashion shows and petty theft and she always let the staff know what needed cleaning. They loved her there, and they didn’t even know the half of her - a true testament to just how great she was. Some of her last words were spent making sure she could remember the names of everyone in her family and that they were going to be OK. She was still taking care of them, even at the very end. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the visitation for Barbara on Thursday December 12, 2024 from 4-6pm in the C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) Weymouth, MA. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visiting hours at 6pm. In true Barbara fashion, feel free to wear color (her favorite was yellow). Knowing she’s no longer with us should be mourned indeed, but she lived a beautiful, colorful life and is no longer suffering. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.