Barbara A. Sullivan

Lexington – Miss Barbara A. Sullivan, of Lexington, died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at her home. She was 87.

Barbara was born in Cambridge on June 17, 1927, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Newman) Sullivan, and had been a lifelong resident before her move to Brookhaven at Lexington ten years ago.

She graduated from Cambridge Latin and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Regis College in Weston in 1948. She was a pioneer in the field of writing source code for what later became known as computer programming, especially at a time when women were few in the field. She worked for the Sylvania Corporation for many years before joining the ranks at GTE, retiring just before the company's merger with Bell Atlantic that formed today's Verizon.

Barbara was best known to family and friends for her great sense of humor and her directness in addressing any range of topics or issues. She generously supported many organizations including St. Peter's Parish in Cambridge and Regis College.

She was an avid world traveler, especially enjoying the art and sculpture of many cultures. She loved reading, summers on Cape Cod, and family events. She will be missed greatly by all.

She was a sister of the late Ann Sullivan, Mary Nesbeda, Joseph Sullivan, Jr. and Teresa Sullivan and leaves many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who affectionately called her "BooBoo".

Family and friends will honor and remember Barbara's life by gathering to visit at 9 o'clock Saturday morning in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Cambridge Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.