Barbara Ann (Brown) Zani died peacefully March 22, 2022 at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph in 2014.
Born to Clarence Edwin Brown and Mary (McInerney) on February 26, 1934 in Boston, she grew up in Winthrop with her brother, Paul and sister, Susan (Silva) both of whom are predeceased. She graduated from Arlington High School, after the family moved there.
Barbara met the love of her life when he was a student at Harvard and a lifeguard at the pool where she attended her father’s reunion. They married and went on to raise several children in Newton: Susanna (Suggs), William, Felicia, Anthony, Nathan, Monica, Nicholas, and Alexandra (Trudo). She was pre deceased by her daughter Angela Bauer. She went back to school as an adult, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She and Ralph spent summers in Wellfleet, and upon his retirement moved to the Back Bay where they enjoyed the Public Garden, museums, and restaurants on Newbury Street, and were well known and loved by the staff at Davio’s and Paparazzi.
She is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have fond memories of family gatherings on the roof deck, especially the Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.
Visiting hours will be in the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre St, NEWTON CORNER on Sunday March 27 from 4-6 PM. Words of remembrance will be shared at 6 PM. All other services are private.
In her memory, donations may be made to Rosie’s Place, where she served as a volunteer while living in the Back Bay, or to the Linus Project, a charity where she used to donate hand-knit blankets for children in need.
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