Barbara A. (McNally) Desmond

Barbara A. (McNally) Desmond, (96) formerly of Everett, MA and North Fort Meyers, FL passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Francis T. Desmond (d. 2001), and later by her spouses, William Hoefsmit (d. 2015) and Robert Binkelman (d. 2024).

Barbara was born and raised in Everett, MA and was a proud member of the Everett High School Class of 1946. Barbara married Francis “Frank” Desmond, her high school sweetheart in 1951. Guided by their faith in God and each other, Barbara and Frank enjoyed a special closeness throughout their marriage, built on mutual respect. They truly “danced through life” and became the proud parents of 15 children. Barbara found her vocation at age 14 when she aspired to one day become the mother of at least “a dozen” healthy children. Barbara’s prayers were answered when she met Frank, who dreamed of emulating the type of large close-knit family that his father, one of 16, had enjoyed before him.

For 35 years, Barbara volunteered as a leader with La Leche League International. While raising her children, she quietly tended to the needs of her less fortunate elderly neighbors. Barbara participated in the Immaculate Conception parish community, serving as a Lector and as a Pre-Cana Counselor. She was active in the Mother’s Clubs of Boston College High School and Pope John XXIII High School. Cake decorating, poetry writing and more, showcased Barbara’s creative side.

During her last 20 years, Barbara enjoyed married life in the company of close friends in North Fort Myers, FL where she continued to serve her community, with an exceptional quality of health and was fully active into her 90’s.

Barbara was predeceased by her siblings Elizabeth Doherty (d. 2022) and James McNally (d. 2009) and is survived by her brother-in-law, John Desmond (Bridget), and by her sister-in-law, Shirley Desmond. Sadly, Barbara was predeceased by three of her adult children, Stephen (d. 2013), Patricia (d. 2021) and Robert (d. 2007). She leaves 12 remaining children, John (Paula), Barbara Cammarata (Salvatore), Mary Desmond (David Nelson), Kevin (Karen), Paul (Martha), Joan Sullivan (Gerard), Susan Desmond (Andrew Marcinkowski), Theresa Sajedian (Hooman), Elizabeth Desmond (Michael Rachlin), William (Tricia Wilde) and Christine Maxwell, as well as daughter-in-law, Linda Desmond, and Jeanette McNally. The crowning joys of Barbara’s life were her 40 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren who brought her immense happiness. Barbara also leaves many devoted nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends, as well as the devoted caregivers who partnered with her children and grandchildren in her loving care during her last two years. Her generous love and laughter will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Barbara A. Desmond to Reid Sacco Adolescence & Young Adults Cancer Alliance “Cancer Research Fund” 175 Andover Street, Suite 101, Danvers, MA 01923 https://www.ayacanceralliance.org/ or to Empty Arms Bereavement Support, 140 Pine Street, Rm. 2B, Florence, MA 01062 https://www.emptyarmsbereavement.org

Services at Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, Everett, MA

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara A. (McNally) Desmond, please visit our floral store.