Barbara Louise (Boyer) Lovely

Barbara Louise Lovely passed away on June 1st at the age of 90 years old at Wingate Residences at Melbourne Place in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where she had resided for almost 3 years.

Barbara Louise Boyer was born on April 16th 1933 to Goldie Viola and Jesse Thomas Boyer in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  She was their only child and brought much joy and happiness to their lives. Barbara graduated from Bartlesville College High school in May 1951 and attended Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical College (Oklahoma State University) where she thrived and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in May 1955. She married her high school sweetheart, Gus Thornton, in May 1955 and worked as a court reporter for the County Judge while Gus finished veterinary school.  In 1957 they left Oklahoma and moved to Massachusetts.  Barbara was an involved and devoted member of the Congregational Church of Needham for 50 years, and raised two children, Thomas and Kara.   She loved gardening, quilting, and her home of 50 years in Needham.  She loved being a Nana to Rose, Catie, and Emma and her home became their second home.   Barbara worked at Boston College for the University Librarian and made many friends there.  She married Frederick Thomas Lovely in June 1998 and was happy to spend her later life with him. 

Barbara faced difficulties in her life with determination and strength and leaves a legacy of deep love to her beloved family.   She leaves her daughter, Kara Louise Thornton and her son, Thomas Thornton.  She leaves three grandchildren, Rose Louise May, Catherine Louise May, and Emma Louise Thornton.  She was predeceased by her husband Frederick Thomas Lovely, grandson Owen Thornton, and son-in-law Jeffrey May.

Barbara was blessed with wonderful, loving, and devoted caregivers including Sherry Sprague, Crystal Fox, and Felicia Broh.  Barbara’s family thanks the staff at Wingate Residences at Melbourne Place for taking such wonderful care of Barbara.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Congregational Church of Needham.

Services will take place on Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave, Needham.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Louise (Boyer) Lovely, please visit our floral store.