Barbara A. Stella, 86, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2024, with her three children and son-in-law by her side. She was born on May 28, 1937 in Boston to Sarah (Sadie) Mahoney and Cornelius P. Mahoney.
As a child, Barbara could be found climbing trees and sledding down hills in the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. In 1959, she met and fell in love with her husband, Carmen. They were married for 52 years and raised their three children – Barbara Ann, John Michael and Ann-Marie in Bedford.
Barbara enjoyed many interests, including swimming in her family pool and the ocean, ice skating, bowling, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Together, Barbara and Carmen enjoyed ballroom and square dancing and traveling to their favorite destinations – Cape Cod, Ogunquit, and Aruba. They shared a strong faith in God.
In 1978, Barbara became a Mary Kay Consultant and excelled in her ability to connect with women, educating and helping them feel and look beautiful. She became a Mary Kay director and over 42 years with Mary Kay, Barbara achieved awards, including the “Triple Star of Excellence,” the “Circle of Gold,” and “Ladder of Success” numerous times throughout her career.
In 1982, the highlight of her career was flying to Dallas to be crowned #1 National Queen of Sales for the Emerald Division. She was on stage with Mary Kay Ash herself and a surprise guest – her husband Carmen.
Barbara was the devoted wife of the late Carmen J. Stella, loving mother of Barbara Ann of North Chelmsford, John Michael of Bedford, and Ann-Marie Snelson and her husband Brian of Chelmsford. She was also the beloved grandmother to Gina Grammel and her husband Christopher, Carley Lange and her husband Kyle, and Thomas Snelson. She was also sister-in-law to John A. Stella, sister to Cornelius J. Mahoney and Mary Lynch and aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19 at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford.
The funeral from the Bedford Funeral Home begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb 20, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Michael Parish, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 10 a.m.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org.
The family members extend their gratitude to the loving and compassionate caregivers and staff at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and Artis Senior Living.
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