MAHONEY Barbara Joan, 82, of Bedford NH, and previously a 46 year resident of Byfield MA, died peacefully in her sleep on October 22, 2018 at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester New Hampshire. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband John James Mahoney, son, Brian James Mahoney, her parents, James Cudworth, and Anne C. (Dacey) Cudworth;brother Raymond Cudworth and sister, Phyllis Cudworth. Barbara is survived by her sisters Patricia Miceli of Quincy MA and Janet Leclare of Florida; sons Mark (Paula) Mahoney, John (Deena) Mahoney and Christopher (Christine) Mahoney; daughter Lisa and significant other Bill Schneider; and seven grandchildren, Michael, Emily, John, Jessyca, Jenna, Charles and Anderson. Barbara was born in Boston to James Cudworth and Anne C (Dacey) Cudworth on Halloween, October 31, 1935. Barbara attended Girls High School in the Roxbury section of Boston Mass. She then went on to earn an Associates Degree from Norther Essex Community College, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Education and with a specialization in Reading from Lesley College. Barbara taught Elementary Education in the Arlington, Newbury and Newburyport School Systems. Barbara also taught English as a Foreign Language to non-english speaking immigrants through the Project Plus Program at the San Fernando Library in San Fernando California. Barbara was a dedicated, compassionate, caring and extremely effective teacher. She loved her students and they loved her. Barbara was a devout Catholic, and felt the calling to be a nun as a teenager right up until the moment she met John Mahoney, at the age of 17. As the story goes she apologized to GOD that evening about her change of heart. After marrying John in 1956, Barbara raised five children, four boys and one girl. Barbara was a loving mother to her five children. She raised her kids with great compassion, affection and dedication. She was a strong advocate of early education, and taught all her children to read before they attended school. Barbara instilled a strong moral code in her children. She taught them to work hard, be honest, and treat people with compassion and respect. Barbara loved animals, especially dogs and cats. The family kept a large number of dogs and cats throughout her life. We are hopeful that Barbara is in the company of her husband John, son Brian, and some of her favorite dogs, Rusty, Toby and Misty, as well as all her favorite cats, Belle, Bonnie, Poppy, Calla, Lilly, Minnie, Dorrie, Tiny, Grayball, Bebe, Herman, Warlock, Butch, Ping, and a host of others whom she dearly loved over the years.Barbara had the opportunity to travel to Japan as a newlywed, when her husband John was serving in the Army. She spent 12 months in Japan. She loved the experience, made great friends, spoke of it often, and remembered that time fondly. Her time in Japan made a lasting impression on her. Barbara and John also travelled to the UK, where she attended the University of Manchester for one semester. Barbara and Johns travels also brought them to Ireland and Hawaii.Barbara loved the Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Celtics. She also enjoyed movies, reading, board games, pets, gardening, and spending time with her family. Barbara was a woman of unique, compassion, intellect, beauty and grace. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the The Arbors of Bedford, The Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospitals of Manchester NH, The Visiting Angels of Newburyport and the numerous caregivers who assisted Barbara through these past several years and especially for their support in her final daysMemorial donations may be made to the The Animal Rescue League at Nevins Farm 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844,Phone: 978 - 687 - 7453 x 6101, Email: [email protected]://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/