5 January, 2013
Barbara A. (Whalen) Corbett Dobson of Hopkinton, MA died January 4, 2013 at the age of 74 at Compass at Hopkinton after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born in Providence, RI on May 30, 1938 She was the daughter of the late Richard and Alice (Conde) Whalen. She attended St. Teresa's
School in Providence and was a member of the first graduating class in 1956. She earned her nursing degree at Roger Williams School of Nursing in 1959. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Framingham State College in 1976.
She is survived by her husband David C. Dobson formerly of Hopkinton and six children, Mary Ellen Corbett of Corinth, VT, Patrick Corbett
and his wife Gayle of Hopkinton, MA, Richard Corbett and his wife Ruth of Auburndale, MA, Elizabeth Lemoine and her husband Joseph of North
Smithfield, RI, Christopher Corbett and his wife Susan of Portsmouth, RI, and Caroline Melito of Hopkinton, MA.
Survived also by her four step-children, Corky Ouellette and her partner Linda of Wells, ME, Peter and his wife Janetta Dobson of Bruno, MN, Laura Bayko and her partner Frank Rockett of Nashua, NH, and Diane Vashon and her Partner Cindy of Acton, ME. Barbara leaves 20 grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Barbara is survived by three sisters, Joan (Conde) Bevers of Barre, MA, Clare (Whalen) Counter of Hanson, MA, and Maureen (Whalen) Spaight of Rumford, RI.
Throughout her life Barbara loved to sing and dance and she instilled this passion into her children, grandchildren, and those lucky enough to have known her. Along with her husband Dave, she took part in play reading groups, was a member of the Hopkinton Historical Society, and was a participant at the Hopkinton Senior Center. She was anavid supporter of the hobbies and interests of her children and grandchildren.
Barbara worked for Head Start of Framingham as a Parent Teacher Coordinator where she provided motivation and encouragement to families. She retired in 2005. Barbara was also a Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Many family gatherings were held in her home as she loved to entertain. Barbara loved gardening, the movies, theatre and giving of herself to others.
The family wishes to thank Compass at Hopkinton and Seasons Hospice for their incredible love, care, and support for Barbara and her loved ones during her stay.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 10th from 4-8pm at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 57 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 11th at 10am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church St., Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, MA
