Barbara “Mimi” Leary, 77, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of August 25, 2026.

Barbara was born on March 15, 1949, to Ruth and James Hart. She graduated from Westwood High School in 1967 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State College followed by a Master’s in Nursing from UMass Boston. Afterward, she was the Director of Nursing at Welch Nursing and Rehabilitation for over 20 years. Barbara spent the entirety of her life caring for others.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth Leary. She is survived by her three children, Kevin (Jenny), Maureen, and Daniel; her eight grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Kenneth, Kendall, Kameren, Perry, Kiera, Charlotte, and Lucy, and her brother Tom and his wife Donna.

To her grandchildren, she was always “Mimi.” Being a grandmother was one of the most important and cherished parts of her life. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally. She worried about them, supported them, encouraged them, and was incredibly proud of each one of them and all of the unique qualities that made them who they were.

Her children and grandchildren will remember Mimi for the countless moments they shared with her, the stories she told, the photographs she took, the unconditional love she gave so freely, and all the little things that made “Mimi” so special. She never missed an opportunity to photograph her grandchildren—she wanted to capture every game, every accomplishment, and all the little moments in between. Some weekends she would drive over 100 miles to watch and photograph her grandchildren playing four or five different sports. She was always ready to celebrate their successes, comfort them in their losses, lend a helping hand (or 20 bucks!), and simply be there whenever needed. Barbara was also her daughter Maureen’s best friend and greatest advocate. She believed in her always, stood beside her on the podium, and never hesitated to make sure Maureen and the rest of the world knew that she had someone fighting in her corner.

Her rich life was also filled with friendships she built and cherished over the years. She had several lifelong friends from her days at Westwood High who will forever remember and laugh about the shenanigans of their youth, as well as the ups and downs they shared over a lifetime. She also made countless friends along the way, many through the things she enjoyed—walking, sewing, talking, and even flower arranging.

Barbara always had a flair for the creative. She had a special talent for turning an idea into something meaningful, and when it came to her embroidery machine, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her talent touched everything from personalized hockey sweatshirts and beach towels to intricate wall hangings and even flower arrangements. Creating these things was another way she expressed her love, and they will continue to remind us of her talent, generosity, and the care she put into everything she did.

Barbara’s passing was completely unexpected, and there are no words that can make losing her any easier. Her absence will be felt deeply by everyone who loved her. We will forever carry with us the compassion, love, care, laughter, wisdom, and countless stories that she shared throughout her life.

We will miss her phone calls and text messages, her sound advice, her laugh, and all of the little things she did to show us how much she cared. We are grateful for all the years we were blessed to have with Barbara and especially thankful for the love and dedication she gave so wholeheartedly to her family and friends.

She will forever be remembered, forever be missed, and forever be “Mimi” to the grandchildren who adored her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Maureen’s ongoing special needs care through Venmo at @maureen-leary-9

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 from 4-7 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.