Barbara Ann Kovall, 80, of Bedford, died at her home on July 29, 2023 with her loving husband at her side.
Barbara was born on Feb. 5, 1943 and raised in Detroit, MI. She was the daughter of the late Charles Basil Kerekanich and Margaret Mary (Poprick) Kerekanich.
Barbara attended Dominican High School, which was established by the Adrian Dominican Sisters of the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary. At Western Michigan University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972.
Barbara met her husband, Arnold (Arnie) Kovall, while as a freshman in college after Arnie returned from the United States Navy as a member of the formerly-known units called UDT, now the S.E.A.L. They were married in Detroit and settled in Bedford in 1988.
Barbara worked for several years in customer support for engineering at Analogics in Peabody, where she made many lifelong friendships. She attended St. Matthew’s Church in Billerica.
She loved decorating for the Christmas season. It was her favorite time of year with her angel collection on display.
Active in the community, she enjoyed volunteering with the local Veterans Caretakers group and developed with the Children’s Finger Printing Program with the Bedford Police Department.
Barbara was known as “Bobby,” “The Christmas Kid” and “Grandma Kovall.” She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Arnold F. Kovall, her son Eric A. Kovall and two grandsons, Ransom and Rhys Kovall all of Princeton, MA, as well as her sister Judi Stuempfle of Warren MI and by many other loving family members and friends.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made “In Memory of Barbara Ann, Kerekanich, Kovall to:
St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105
https://www.stjude.org
Or
Shriners Hospitals Hospital for Children
51 Blossom St.
Boston, MA 02114
https://www.shrinerschildrens.org
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