Barbara A. Neronha

Barbara A. Neronha, 90, peacefully departed this life at her home on Thursday, August 14, 2025. She was the wife of the late Frank E,. Neronha. Born in Fall River on July 29, 1935, Barbara was the daughter of the late Manuel and Juliette (Robetaille) Ferreira.

Barbara's early education was rooted in the principles of her Catholic faith, as she attended St. Patrick's School and Mount Saint Mary's Academy. Her career spanned various roles, including being a proud member of the I.L.G.W.U., where she was an organizer and worker at local garment factories. She also contributed her skills as the business manager of her family's business, "Happy Mobil," operated by her and her husband Frank. Later, she served as a line supervisor at the popular Swansea Mall restaurant, The Roast House. Barbara was also a domestic and childcare helper for the Lowenstine family.

Barbara was not only dedicated to her career but also to her faith and her community. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Women's Guild and served as a Eucharistic minister at Holy Trinity Parish. Her commitment to education and spiritual growth led her to become a catechist at both Holy Trinity and St. William's Parishes. Additionally, her involvement at the Shepherd Center "Senior Helping Seniors" program earned her an award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognizing her distinguished and dedicated service. Barbara also lent her expertise as a mentor at the Wiley School of Fall River.

Barbara was the mother of the late Paul Neronha. She is survived by her son Michael F. Neronha; daughter Melanie Hanley (husband Joseph) and daughter Michele Medeiros (husband Kevin); daughter-in-law, Kim (Cosgrove) Neronha; her late son Paul's companion, Marilyn Bertrand. Her grandchildren—Derek Neronha wife Heather Cabral), Joycelyn Cruz (husband EL), Nathaniel Valcourt, (wife Tara), Scott Neronha, Francesca Becker (husband Mathew), Cody Medeiros, and was also the grandmother of the late Joshua Medeiros; Her great-grandchildren: Alexander, Sydney, Mason and Dominic Neronha, Ava and Harper Cruz, Owen, Charlotte and Jasper Becker, and Madison Medeiros. She had numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren. A special mention goes to her caregiver, Cecily Cunningham, who was loved like a daughter to her. She was the sister of the late Manuel "Manny" Ferreira Jr., the late Pauline Jackson (husband Lawrence) and the late Ronald Ferreira (late wife Dale).

Barbara’s zest for life extended beyond her professional and familial responsibilities. She had a profound love for travel, embarking on pilgrimages to the Holy Land and visiting European shrines in Italy, Portugal, France, and Spain. Additionally, her yearly family trip to North Conway with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was a cherished tradition, filled with laughter and love at The Beast.

Barbara’s hobbies included avid reading, particularly scripture, along with creating beautiful collages and enjoying word searches and crossword puzzles. Her passion for cataloging photos and mementos preserved countless memories, which she shared with her loved ones.

My mother was a beautiful woman both in appearance and in her spirit and soul. She touched so many, in so many ways. None more than me. She was my buddy, my pal, my sidekick, my wingman, my partner, my best friend. She was my mother., Love Michael.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main Street, Fall River, MA, followed by a funeral service at Holy Trinity Church, 951 Stafford Road, Fall River, MA, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s Boston, Office of Philanthropy,  51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114.