Barbara J. (Matthews) Duffy

Barbara J. Duffy

1932 – 2025

Sterling – Barbara J. (Matthews) Duffy, 93, of Clinton Rd., died Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025, at home with her loving daughter and son in law by her side.  She was the loving wife of the late Edward Duffy.  Born in Lancaster on July 24, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Carl R. and Mildred H. (Brodmerkle) Matthews.

Barbara graduated from Lancaster High School in 1950 and earned her Associated in Science (Registered Nurse) degree in May 1975 from Quinsigamond Community College.  Barbara worked as a nursing home administrator, at the Donna Kay Rest Home, Worcester MA for over 25 years retiring in 1993. 

Barbara was a devoted mother who found joy in traveling, visiting Salsbury Beach, eating fried lobster, spending time with her dogs, reading and crossword puzzles. But, above all she cherished the quality time that she spent with her daughter, Robyn, joining her on all kinds of adventures and supporting her passion for horseback riding.  Barbara never missed a horse show, waking up early in the morning to drive Robyn to CT for riding lessons, and driving horses back and forth from Florida.  Barbara enjoyed watching sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriot games, with her son-in-law Michael.  Christmas was her favorite time of year as she took delight in giving gifts, decorating her home, pulling out her large collection of Santa Clauses and cooking a Christmas feast for her family and invited loved ones.  Barbara was lovingly called “Barb” and Sarg” by those who loved her.  Her life was filled with so much joy and adventure.  Barbara will be deeply missed by so many, but our memories together will be forever cherished. 

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Robyn and Michael Coons of West Boylston, her niece and husband Janet and Bob Hoyle, of CT, step-son and daughter in law Mark and Jody Duffy, of Clinton and step-son Thomas Duffy of Clinton. She was predeceased by her parents and only brother.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service for Barbara and her late husband, Edward on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00AM in Hillside Cemetery, 25 Clinton Rd., Sterling, MA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home & Cremation, 48 School St., Webster, MA 01570. For memorial guestbook visit www.shaw.majercik.com. To send flowers to the family, please visit their floral store.  Monetary donations in Barbara Duffy’s name can be made to Project New Hope, Worcester MA www.projectnewhopema.org

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