Barbara Anne Morrissey

Barbara A. Morrissey (m. Gettens), died peacefully on January 25, 2026. Barbara was born on February 25, 1933 in Leominster, MA, to George and Helen Gettens. She spoke fondly of her years growing up in Leominster, where she graduated from Leominster High School in 1950.

On May 5, 1956, Barbara married James F. Morrissey, beginning a 68-year partnership marked by deep devotion to each other, their three children and grandchildren, passion for their careers, and service to their communities. Barbara and Jim were longtime residents of Hastings‑on‑Hudson and Southampton, NY. They most recently resided in Hingham, MA.

Barbara was a proud graduate of Skidmore College in New York, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1954 and became a registered dietitian. She remained an active and loyal alumna, maintaining close ties with her college friends. In 1980, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University.

Barbara began her career at Mary Hitchcock Hospital (now Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center), then joined the New York Telephone Company, before returning to clinical work at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

As her career progressed, Barbara discovered a passion for teaching. She taught at Grasslands Hospital (now Westchester Medical Center University Hospital), the Skidmore College School of Nursing, and the College of New Rochelle School of Nursing. She took great pride in preparing generations of nurses with a strong foundation in nutrition. Barbara also shared her knowledge as a speaker at many organizations, including the Lions Club of Westchester and the Westchester Dietetic Association.

Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. She authored a Quick Reference to Therapeutic Nutrition, first published by Lippincott in 1984 and still used in nursing programs today, an enduring legacy of her contributions to the field.

Later in life, Barbara became an avid bridge player. She developed many new friendships at the Hingham Center for Active Learning and within her neighborhood, organizing bridge games and enjoying the camaraderie as much as the competition. She was also a lifelong reader who loved sharing her enthusiasm for books.

Barbara’s life was enriched by her loving partnership with her husband, their shared love of family and lifelong friendships, her passion for her career, and her commitment to her community. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, James F. Morrissey; and is survived by her children, Deborah M. Cunningham and her husband, Lawrence; John F. Morrissey and his wife, Katherine; and Sharon A. Morrissey-Grant; and her grandchildren, Andrew, James, Colin, Mackenzie, Christopher, Jack, and Shea.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family during visiting hours on Tuesday, February 3, from 4-7 pm at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), Hingham, Massachusetts. On Wednesday, February 4, a Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, Hingham, MA at 10 am followed by Celebration of Life reception at 12 pm at Blackrock Country Club, Hingham, MA. A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please direct your gift to the Skidmore College Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please be sure to indicate that this gift is in memory of Barbara A. Morrissey, Class of 1954. If you would prefer to send a check, please send it to Skidmore College, Alumni Memorial Scholarship, Office of Advancement, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and note that the gift is in memory of Barbara A. Morrissey, Class of 1954.