Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Barbara (Loring) Sullivan, age 96, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024.
Barbara was born in Weymouth, MA, on April 17, 1928; she was the dear daughter of the late George M. and Marie E. (Lewis) Loring. Barbara was raised and educated in Hingham, MA; graduating from Hingham High School with the Class of 1945.
Following her graduation from High School she went on to study nursing and graduated from Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing. Barbara went right to work in the Obstetrical Department at Quincy City Hospital where she cared for her patients and their families for several years before she married and had a family of her own.
Barbara married Henry F. Sullivan of Middleboro, MA on November 18, 1950; the couple moved to Hathaway Acres in Wilmington in 1956 where they raised three wonderful daughters. Barbara loved her home and her new neighborhood; throughout the years she enjoyed tending to her gardens and visiting with her neighbors. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she looked forward to the time she spent with her grandchildren, and she beamed with pride as she spoke of her family and their accomplishments.
Barbara’s passion for learning and helping those in need never waned. As her daughters pursued their education, so did she, earning a B.S. degree in Sociology and Social Work from Northeastern University in 1971, followed by a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1981.Barbara was employed by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in Child/Adolescent Services from 1970-1989.
Barbara was dedicated to social issues including health care reform, and was politically active to affect positive change. She had a soft spot for the “underdog” and she fought tirelessly to give everyone a chance at life. Barbara advocated with conviction for not only her patients but people in general who needed assistance through the mental health care system. She was also very active throughout the years in the conflict resolution field, serving as a board member of the Consortium for Peace Research, Education, and Development and the Coordinator of the Conflict Resolution section of that organization.
Barbara volunteered her time and talents in her community as well as her State; she founded the Wilmington League of Women Voters (LWV) in 1961, serving as President at four times through the years, and on a State level as chair of the Massachusetts LWV Health Care Committee active until her health declined. She was a member of the Wilmington Conservation Commission from 1982-1986 where she did her research and made recommendations for environmental issues throughout the town. She truly cared about her community and her fellow citizens.
Following her retirement, Barbara remained actively involved in several advocacy organizations dealing with health care and human services reform, and environmental issues. Her unwavering convictions and tireless dedication touched countless lives.
Barbara’s legacy includes her efforts to making the world a better place, and the remarkable family she leaves behind. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Henry F. Sullivan, devoted mother of the late Patricia A. Sullivan, Janet M. McGinley of Boxford, and Nancy J. Sullivan of Brookline. Loving “Gram” of Brian McGinley & wife Christie, Timothy McGinley & partner Wanda Mattos, Patricia Sterner & husband Rob, Colleen McGinley & husband Dwayne Burrell, Craig McGinley, and Great-Grammy of Charles, Timothy, Bradley, Brandon, Marien, Nora, Lydia, Mabel, Rose, and Grace. Dear sister of Dorothy Bartlett, Jean Lawton, Ruth McFarland, Robert Loring, and the late George Loring. Barbara is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, May 6th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Barbara’s life will take place in the Chapel at Brooksby Village, Peabody, MA, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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