Barbara Ann O’Brien (Goodwin), age 88, wife of the late Thomas J. O’Brien, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026.

Born September 27, 1938, Barbara grew up in West Hartford, the daughter of the late Edward and Loretta Goodwin. She graduated from William H. Hall High School and Middlesex Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Middletown. Barbara devoted more than 45 years to geriatric nursing, including 25 years as a Nurse Supervisor at Westfield Care and Rehabilitation Center in Meriden, before retiring.

Barbara had a curious mind, a creative spirit, and a love of learning and life. An active member of St. Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire, she enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques and paintings, cooking, and canning. Family and friends especially looked forward to her homemade hot pepper jelly, bread and butter pickles, and holiday fruitcakes.

Barbara had a deep compassion for others, extending her kindness and generosity to family, friends, strangers in need, her church, and charitable organizations. She often put others’ needs ahead of her own, inspiring those who knew her through her caring and selfless spirit.

A lifelong lover of poetry, Barbara self-published three books: Thoughts in Verse, Afterthoughts in Verse, and The Didactic Rose, dedicated to her eight grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride. Her poetry was also published by the International Library of Poetry and Noble House Publishers’ Poetry Division.

In 2023, after 50 years in her beloved farmhouse, Barbara moved to Livewell in Plantsville. She embraced her new community, enjoying classes, activities, and friendships while sharing her love of poetry, music, cooking, and travel. She especially enjoyed staying busy, socializing, and always having something to look forward to.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Maureen O’Brien Mashek, and son-in-law, David Mashek, of Pittsburgh, PA; her sons, Steven O’Brien of Haddam, and Andrew O’Brien and daughter-in-law, Catherine O’Brien, of East Hartland; eight grandchildren, Joseph and Philip Mashek, Katherine Cohen, and Megan, Colin, Lauren, Evan, and Declan O’Brien; and two great-grandchildren, Ava and Lily Rivas. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Barbara L. O’Brien and Phyllis Goodwin, and their families, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward C. Goodwin, Jr.

The family is deeply grateful to the Livewell community in Plantsville for the kindness, friendship, and compassionate care that kept Barbara engaged, connected, and comfortable and made her later years happy and meaningful.

Visiting hours will be Monday, October 12, 2026 from 4:00–6:00 PM at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 S. Main St., Cheshire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT. Please meet directly at church. Interment will follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield, CT.