BARBARA WALNUT

Barbara Walnut, a beloved member of the Jamaica Plain community, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023, at the age of 96. She was surrounded by her loving family in North Conway, NH, where her family enjoyed many happy memories.

Born in Littleton, NH, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Adelbert and Alice Ashley. She spent many idyllic days with her large, close-knit family at Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH. She graduated from Portsmouth High School and moved to Boston to attend the Boston School of Dental Nursing. After working as a Dental Assistant, Barbara became the office manager at the Massachusetts Dental Porcelain Laboratories. Barbara lived at the Franklin Square House, where she had many dear friends and wonderful memories. She later became a secretary for Central Congregational Church, the John M. Walker Company, and the First Baptist Church.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her late husband, George Walnut, whom she was married to for over 60 years. She is survived by her children, Linda Drews and her husband Laurence, Frederick and his wife Mary, and Karen Walnut as well as her grandchildren, Laurence Drews and partner Sarah Warner, Brian Drews, Frederick Walnut and his wife Jessica, Ashley Walnut and partner Steven Slate, and Christopher Walnut and partner Hannah Moody. Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, Arnold Ashley and Robert Ashley. She leaves her sister Shirley Lacy, sisters-in-law Barbara Ashley and Madeline Ashley, and many nieces and nephews.

A woman of great faith, Barbara’s life was characterized by selflessness, service to others, and genuine kindness. She had a robust social life and was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Loring-Greenough Tuesday Club. Barbara had many hobbies and enjoyed sharing her passion for gardening, baking, and her cats. Her selfless heart and joyful nature touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Hope Central Church in Jamaica Plain at 10:00 am. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4-8 pm at the Mann & Rodgers Funeral Home 44 Perkins St. (corner of S. Huntington Ave.) in Jamaica Plain. Barbara will be interred at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, MA.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100 Chamberlain, SD 57325, a cause that was close to Barbara's heart or to the Hope Central Congregational Church, 85 Seaverns Ave. Jamaica Plain, MA  02130.

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