Obituary of Barbara Ellen Emery

Barbara Ellen (Finnie) Emery, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. She was 83 years of age. Born in Keene, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late George W., and the late Dorothy V. (Surette) Finnie. Barbara lived with her family in Dublin, New Hampshire until coming to Wakefield at the age of 12. She graduated from St. Jospeh’s School and the Nazareth Academy in Wakefield. Barbara went on to graduate from the Melrose-Wakefield School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse at several hospitals and offices throughout her career, retiring as an Operating Room Nurse at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary after 25 years in 2019.Barbara also enjoyed many years as a Jacki Sorenson Aerobic Dance Program instructor. Barbara was a music enthusiast, with a special fondness for Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, and Tony Bennett. She cherished her travels, often recalling the serene beauty of Elbow Beach Bermuda and her heartwarming journey to Ireland with her granddaughter Kaitlyn. Barbara's pecan pies were a holiday tradition and a true delight to all who tasted them. Barbara’s singing voice was exceptional, and she loved playing the piano, as evidenced by the many videos showcasing her talent. Barbara was a sweet soul, who had an impeccable sense of style and a gift for sharing stories that brought joy to everyone around her. She was fond of all animals and enjoyed her time with her two cats Levi & Reggie and granddog Willow. Most of all, Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends. Barbara is survived by her son, Michael S. Emery and his wife Thalita; her daughters, Susan B. Wildman and Kristin L. Emery, all of Wakefield, MA; three grandchildren, Sophia and William Emery of Wakefield, MA, and Kaitlyn Ash and her husband Gregory of Odenton, MD; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Margaret Ash of Odenton, MD. Barbara is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Carney of Wakefield; and she was predeceased by her brother, the late William “Billy” Finnie. She is further survived by her nephew, Alex Carney of Portland, ME; and her niece and goddaughter, Abigail Carney of Astoria, Queens, NY. Visitation will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Sunday, April 14 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 pm. A reception will be held following the celebration of life, with details to be shared at the funeral home. Burial will be private. For those who prefer, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 (www.gifts.mdanderson.org); or the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130 (www.mspca.org)