39° and Light drizzle
Barbara Lillian (Fresh) Cassidy, 94, of Franklin passed away peacefully March 21 at Milford Gardens following a brief illness. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and a lifelong love for her family and the two towns she called home. She was the wife of the late Francis J. Cassidy who died in 1999.
Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, Barbara spent her youth enjoying the simple pleasures of New Hampshire and the time spent at her grandparents' dairy farm visiting with the cows she loved so much. Her childhood memories were shared with her children and grandchildren, and she had a sharp mind and a joyful heart throughout her entire life. She remained deeply connected to her New Hampshire roots, her dear cousin Lily Cote, and several school friends.
At the age of 18, Barbara reluctantly moved to Franklin, Massachusetts with her family. She cried the entire trip from one Franklin to another. However, her life took a beautiful turn when she met Francis (Frank) Cassidy. The two were married and remained in the ‘new’ Franklin where they built a life together and raised their own family.
A homemaker, Barbara had been a CCD teacher at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin and also enjoyed reading, walking, baking, and eating ice cream.
She is survived by her children, Michael Cassidy and his companion Janice Bugden of Ashland, Carol Dacey and her husband James of Franklin, Sandra Bouchard and her husband Edward of Franklin, Paul Cassidy and his wife Elina of Palatka, Florida and Brenda Commane of Franklin.
Barbara was the mother of the late Nancy Cassidy.
Barbara was the sister of the late Donald (Buddy) Fresh and John Fresh.
She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Service will be private.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Tri County Meals on Wheels, 10 Mill Street, Dudley, MA 01571.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
