Barbara S. 'Bobbi' Wall

Waltham – Mrs. Barbara S. 'Bobbi' Wall, of Waltham, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 in Newton Wellesley Hospital. She was 76.

Bobbi was born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 21, 1939 and was raised by her mother and step-father, Elsie and Clyde Griffin. As a young girl she went to work for Chesapeake Telephone Company which was part of the Bell System. Among other responsibilities, she began as an operator and worked her way to a full-time position in the business office. It was in 1965 when she met a young Gerald D. 'Jerry' Wall who was a naval officer stationed aboard the U.S. Destroyer Barney in Virginia, the pair would be married a year later. Shortly after their marriage Bobbi encouraged Jerry to attend law school; she was always supportive in his role within the field of poverty law. In 1967 Jerry and Bobbi settled in Massachusetts and Bobbi continued her career in the business offices of then New England Telephone Company. Throughout her life Bobbi advocated for diversity, equality, and human rights.

In 1983 she and Jerry's lives became complete when they welcomed two young children from El Salvador. A person of many skills, she had a wonderful singing voice, beautiful penmanship and everything she did was as close to perfection as possible. She was a wonderful wife and mother and was thrilled to recently welcome her first grandchild, Lilliana. She was an avid listener of folk music, voraciously read books including biographies, historical literature, and mysteries and could often finish a book of fair length in a day or two. Bobbi was a proud resident of Lexington for 20 years. She often spoke of its history and the famous shot heard around the world. She raised her family in Lexington and lived the last 3 years in Waltham with her husband. During her life she had survived several severe medical setbacks, but always overcame them with great strength, determination and courage. Her solace was always with her family on the shores of southern Maine.

Beside her beloved husband, Gerald D. 'Jerry' Wall, of Waltham, she is survived by her children, Galen C. Wall and his wife, Amy, of Waltham and Marisa R. Wall of Salem and her granddaughter Lilliana A. Wall.

She was also the sister of the late John Shanks, Jr.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bobbi by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday October 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be celebrated in the University Lutheran Church, 66 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to her loved folk radio station WUMB (www.WUMB.org)