Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Barbara L. Braciska (Kannheiser), age 84, fondly known as “Bobbie” to her family and friends, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at her home on August 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Bobbie was born in Methuen, MA, on April 21, 1940; she was the cherished daughter of the late Leslie and Louise (Minsner) Kannheiser.
She graduated from Lawrence School of Nursing in 1962 and became the head nurse of the maternity ward at Choate Hospital in Woburn. Bobbie delighted in helping young parents bring their babies into the world. Her kindness, compassion, and great work ethic made her quite a success. Bobbie’s boys were also all born at The Choate.
She married the love of her life, John, on June 8th, 1963, at The Congregational Church in Stoneham, MA, and soon after moved to Wilmington. Bobbie relished being a stay-at-home mom, always prioritizing her boys’ school activities and sports events, while volunteering with The PAC and Boosters Club.
The Moore St. neighborhood was magical, with some 28 kids in the hood with all the moms and kids getting along. The neighborhood was anchored by dear next-door neighbors, Ray and Jane Forest and their kids, Becky, Mishy and Russell.
Bobbie loved her grandchildren, Allyson, Meghan, and Kyle Scott, always supporting their social, school and sporting events. She loved playing mahjong and cribbage with her friends and walks at Harold Parker State Forest. Bobbie’s favorite spot was any oceanfront or beach, but her favorite being LaFayette’s Ocean Front Resort at Wells Beach in Maine.
Bobbie is survived by her beloved husband and best friend John J. Braciska, she was the devoted mother of Gregory Braciska of Salem, NH, Eric Braciska and his wife Andrea of North Andover, MA, and the late Scott Braciska. Loving “Grammy” of Allyson, Meghan, and Kyle Scott Braciska, dear sister of the late Ronald Kannheiser. Bobbie is also survived by many wonderful neighbors and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, August 12th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Service to Celebrate Bobbie’s life will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. followed by her interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
Donations in Bobbie’s memory may be made to the Scott D. Braciska Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Wilmington High School, 159 Church St., Wilmington, MA 01887.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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