Grafton – It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara J. Noel on Thursday, July 6th, 2023, at home in Grafton, at the age of 95. Born in Milford, MA on June 10th, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Edith (Lemanski) Noe. Barbara was the wife of Francis M. Noel, Sr. for 51 years, until his passing in 1998.
Barbara grew up in Upton and graduated from Grafton High School in 1946. After graduation, she worked at Washington Mills Abrasive Company and Wing Insurance Agency. While raising six children, Barbara was the bookkeeper for Joseph Noel & Sons, Noel Realty, and also owned and operated Grafton Dairy Freeze for 25 years. She was a longtime member of St. Phillips Church.
Barbara enjoyed the many cruises she took with family and visits to her second home in Lighthouse Point, FL. She made everyone she touched feel special, and delighted in visiting with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She will be forever missed by her children, Linda Gosselin of Sutton, Suzanne Knapik and her husband Ted of Moultonborough, NH, Frank Noel, Jr. of Grafton, Karen Levia and her husband Gene of Rising Sun, MD, Mike Noel and his wife Kimberly of Grafton and her caregiver, Barbara (BJ) Alex and her husband Craig of Grafton. She leaves a sister, Patricia Russo, of Indian Rocks Beach, FL. Affectionately known as Memere, she leaves her 10 surviving grandchildren, Danielle Trainor (Scott), Ryan Gosselin (Christie), Tania Harris (Anthony), Kimberly Zelch (Kurt), Amy Leggett, Matthew Gonynor, Seth Gonynor (Julie), Robert Gonynor, Michelle Granger, Casey Koerner (Timothy), Ashley Noel (Craig Mroczka) and her 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson, Francis M. Noel III in 2001.
To our sister BJ and her husband Craig, words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the immense love and dedication you have shown in caring for our Mom over the past three years. Your selflessness and unwavering support made a significant difference in Mom’s life, and we are truly thankful for everything you have done.
According to Barbara’s wishes, services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Francis M. Noel, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Grafton High School, 24 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519, Attn: Guidance Department.
The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.