Obituary of Barbara Crocker

Barbara A. Crocker, a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother passed away on Monday morning, May 15, 2017 at the age of 78. Barbara was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Joseph and Constance Sveistys. Her family lived in Cambridge until Barbara was 13 and then they moved to the country (Burlington). Burlington was just a small farming town, the population was just under 4000 residents, Route 128 had not been built, and they lived in a modest home off Cambridge Street. Barbara went to St. Charles High School in Woburn. She met a young man, Gerald Crocker, in high school and they were married when Barbara was 19 years old. They had 3 children. Jerry became a Burlington Policeman and Barbara raised her children, managed the home, and found time to work at Almy’s as a manager in their Housewares Department for 25 years. After Almy’s closed, she worked 10 more years at Goodway Graphics as a proof reader. Barbara’s life revolved around her family. She was always a pillar of strength during the many challenges in her family’s lives. She fought strong against the cancer which had affected herself, her husband, and eventually took the life of her son Michael. She knew how important family support is when facing adversity. But she also knew the value and importance of celebrating the good in everyone’s lives as well. Barbara embraced the good and had so many wonderful memories shared with her family and friends. She loved to travel with her husband, Jerry, her family and friends. Many of her vacations were to warm weather destinations like the Caribbean, Florida, Martha’s Vineyard, and cruises. She had wonderful friends who supported her in difficult times and celebrated the good times. They will remember the trips, girl’s weekends in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Bingo, bowling, dinners, and just enjoying each other’s company. Everyone will remember Barbara’s warm and welcoming smile, her sense of humor, adventurous side, and the love she shared with all whom she touched. Barbara was the devoted and affectionate wife of 59 years of Gerald “Jerry” Crocker. She was the loving mother of James & his companion Chery Ricci of Rindge, NH, Laurie Gulbrandsen & her husband James of Derry, NH and the late Michael & his wife Louise of Burlington. She was the sister of Richard Sveistys of San Diego, CA, Deborah LeBlanc of Alton Bay, NH and the late Joseph Sveistys. Barbara was the proud grandmother of Arielle & Cody Crocker, Kristen Gulbrandsen, Brooke Wheeler and the late Curtis Crocker. Sister-in-law of Lenny & Donna D’Innocenzo of GA A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to Michael & Curtis Crocker Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Northern Bank, 13 Center St., Burlington, MA 01803.