Barbara Newton

Barbara (Richardson) Newton, 59, of Worcester, passed away, on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence.   Barbara is survived by her husband, Shaihid J. Newton; two daughters, Renee Love and her husband Andrew of Shrewsbury, and Tonya Rose-Mensah and her husband Edward of Worcester; a son, Akeem Rose of Worcester; her mother, Ethel (Richardson) Toney of Worcester; a sister, Cheryl Barry of Worcester; two brothers, Clarence Richardson and his wife Denise of Worcester, and Darryl Barry of Worcester; eleven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Hampton, her step-father, William Toney, and by a brother, Van L. Barry, Jr. She was born in Worcester and has lived here all her life.   Barbara retired from Spectrum Health System, in 2011, where she was the Assistant Program Director in Transitional Support Services. She was a member of Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, where she served as a Deaconess Missionary, served on the Usher Board, and served on the Hospitality Committee.   Barbara was an enrolled member of The Nipmuc Nation and a member of the Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council. She also worked at the Nipmuc Acknowledgement Project, serving the Nipmuc People. Barbara is a descendant of the Pegan/Wilson Family Line of the Nipmuc Nation and was the great granddaughter of Chief Thunderbird and he also served as the Medicine Man for the Hassanamisco Nipmuc People.   She was affectionately known as “Barbie”, “The Diva”, “Miss Hospitality” and “Miss Sunshine”; she would respond to each name, even if ten people at the party called her at the same time. Her fun loving smile and infectious personality will be missed by all who loved her.   Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, April 28, at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until the Funeral begins at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton   In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, 63 Wellington Street, Worcester, MA. 01610.