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Barbara Ann Shine died peacefully May 28, 2022 surrounded by the love of her family. She was the wife of the late James Patrick Shine. She is survived by her four children, Jim Shine of Boston, Mary McNulty and her husband Marc of Medway, Anne Cimini and her husband Jeff of Needham, Kathleen Shine of Jamaica Plain and her adoring grandchildren, John, Peter, Erin, Catherine and Bryan. She is also survived by Bill Shine and his wife Pat of White Lakes, Michigan as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Frank and Mary Unti, her stepmother Anne Unti, and her brothers Bryan Unti, Richard Unti and his wife Joyce, as well as Mary Ellen and Patrick Shine, and Neal and Phyllis Shine.
Barbara was born on June 17, 1936 in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She grew up in Grosse Pointe Shores, where she had such fond memories of walking with her brothers to the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club down the street to meet with friends. Barbara graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Detroit, where she continued to flourish. She was the first woman to head the Student Senate. It was there where she met the love of her life, Jim. Barbara and Jim married in 1958 and were partners in every way imaginable for 57 years.
Barbara started her career as a high school teacher in Utica, Michigan, while Jim was attending Law School. Forever up for an adventure, Barbara and Jim left Detroit and moved to New Cannan, Ct. and then to Wayland, MA in 1972, where they settled to raise their children. During these years they created countless memories with family and friends. Though involved with many volunteer and charitable organizations, Barbara could most often be found cheering on her children at a track meet, a dance recital or on a sideline.
Wherever she lived, the local Church was an integral part of her life and that of her family. Her gifts of faith, leadership, enthusiasm, and generosity were always recognized and called upon wherever she found herself. As her children grew, Barbara embraced the notion of pursuing a career that would feed this passion. After many years as Director of Religious Education at St. Ann’s Parish in Wayland, she was appointed the first Director of the Office for Pastoral Ministries for the Archdiocese of Boston. As Barbara served in the local Church, her gifts were also recognized by the Church at the national level. The US Catholic Conference of Bishops appointed her to chair its accrediting agency for ministry formation programs across the country.
In 1985 Barbara and Jim purchased a home in West Yarmouth, MA, where they retired in 2003. Barbara loved the Cape, where countless happy memories were created. Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family. She adored her five grandchildren and had a truly special and unique relationship with each of them. Barbara saw the best in everyone, and always reminded you of your gifts.
Barbara will be sorely missed for her kindness, wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. Visiting hours will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave. Needham on Wednesday June 1 from 4-7pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham on Thursday June 2 at 10:00 am. Interment at MA National Cemetery, Bourne on Thursday afternoon at 1:15pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph BOSTON: Benefit of Retired Sisters, 637 Cambridge St. Brighton, MA 02135.
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