Barbara A. (Russo) Hawkes

Barbara Hawkes met her husband, J. Barry Hawkes while roller skating at the former Wal-Lex in Waltham. They weren't just recreational skaters…in fact just the opposite in that they both skated competitively and had plans to go much further with the sport until Barry was called into active service. However, on January 13, 1959 as documented in her diary, Barry asked her hand in marriage and she said 'yes'! They married in Saint Patrick's Church on September 16, 1961.

Barbara A. Russo was born July 15, 1938 in Cambridge, a daughter of the late John J. And Rose E. (Caruso) Russo. Raised in Watertown, her family moved to the west coast during her high school years where she graduated from St. Pius X High School in Hollydale, California. While in high school, Barbara played on its basketball team, was a member of the Glee Club and sodality.

Barbara moved back to her native Watertown where she lived the balance of her years. After 48 years of marriage, Barry died April 1, 2010 and she adjusted to life as a widow, later moving to her daughter's home in Bedford in 2018.

Barbara died at home on Sunday, January 3, 2021. She was 82.

Barbara will long be remembered as a loving and doting mother and grandmother. Before raising her family, she worked as a secretary at law offices in Newton. After the kids were of self-sufficient ages, she was one of the familiar happy faces and servers at Friendly's Restaurant in Watertown Square.

Home was where Barbara's heart always remained and the family home on Summer Street was beautiful inside and out. With a knack for gardening, her yard blossomed with roses throughout the yard and morning glories over her trellises. Inside the house was the kitchen where she made love visible in the form of her masterful cooking and baking. Her gift to each child and grandchild was a special and unique meal for their birthday each year. Barbara's love of horses and horseback riding was passed on to children, grandchildren and her niece, JoAnn. She was also talented with needle, thread and embroidery.

An active member of Saint Patrick's Parish, Barbara was a driving force with its publicity committee when efforts were needed to try to save the former high school that was an integral part of the parish life.

Barbara leaves her children, Rose Margaret Hawkes (Michele Bennett) of Bedford, Barbara Anne Poirier (Peter) of Burlington, John Barry Hawkes III (Sharan) of Waltham and Glennmichael T. Russo of Acton; her grandchildren, Peter Jude Poirier, Stephanie Anne Poirier and Heather Anne Poirier, Alice Rose Hawkes, Brodie Anne Hawkes and Caroline Marie Hawkes; her sister, Rosemarie Russo of Bedford; in-laws, William Hawkes (Diane) of Cupertino, California; Diane Hawkes (late Robert Iorio) of Visalia, California and the late Geoffrey G.E. Hawkes (late Valerie); nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Barbara's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, January 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday in Saint Patrick's Church, 212 Main Street, Watertown at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Saint Patrick Cemetery.

For those unable to attend you are invited to participate via this link on Saturday, January 9th at 10 a.m.: https://my.gather.app/remember/barbara-hawkes

Memorial donations may be made to Boston Catholic Television Center, 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown, MA 02472 (https://www.catholictv.org/donate.html)
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Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – a note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love, support and a verbal hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit to the funeral home should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance. Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.