Barbara (Ross) McGuane

Barbara Ross McGuane, 90 years old of Worcester, formerly of Ayer, MA and Sierra Vista, AZ passed away on December 26, 2022 at AdviniaCare in Northbridge, with family by her side. Barbara was born in Boston to Bradford E. and Evelyn (McCabe) Ross on August 24, 1932. Barbara graduated from Jamaica Plain High School in 1949; from Salem State Teachers College in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education; and from Boston University in 1955 with a Master's Degree in Education. Barbara taught business subjects at Ayer High School from 1953 to 1967, and had been serving as Head of the Business Department when she resigned her position to be at home upon the arrival of their first child. From 1968 to 1975, she served as an elected member of the Ayer School Committee, eventually serving as the Chairman. While at home raising her daughters, she volunteered as a probation officer. In 1984, Barbara re-entered the workforce as an instructor at the Army Education Center at Fort Devens, MA and subsequently became employed as an education specialist at the United States Army Intelligence School. When the Intelligence School moved to Fort Huachuca, AZ, Barbara accepted the transfer, continuing her employment with the Basic Instructor Training course until she retired in 1997. Mr. and Mrs. McGuane remained in Arizona for a few years before returning home to Massachusetts. Always active in her Church, Barbara continued to volunteer her time, and energy to her local food pantry, the society of St Vincent de Paul, and numerous charitable causes until she entered assisted living in her late eighties.  Barbara enjoyed playing bridge, crossword puzzles, reading, lively discussions, and spending time with her grandchildren and grand puppies.  She was the go-to person to answer any question, and all the grandkids knew that Granny was their ‘Google’. Her wittiness and intelligence will be missed by all. 

Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles, of Worcester and her daughters, Kate (John) Murphy of Lexington, and Maura (Richard) Mitchell of Millbury. She very much enjoyed the company of her grandchildren: Charles Richard, Elizabeth Catherine Mitchell; Margaret Grace, Madeline Frances, James Bradford Murphy; Samuel Poland, and a great granddaughter, Eviee Poland. She was predeceased by her brother Donald M. Ross of Weymouth and Florida and her sister-in-law Paula Hart Ross of Stoughton. She is also survived by her nieces Patricia Thomas, Diane Mullen, Kathryn Butler, and her nephew, Kenneth B. Ross and their extended families.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Tuesday, January 3^rd from 4pm – 7pm in the Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, January 4^th from the funeral home, with a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1260 Grafton Street where her Mass will be held at 10:30am. Burial in Mass Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL17, Chicago, IL 60601.