Barbara L. (Higton) Oakes' Obituary
Barbara L. (Higton) Oakes, passed away peacefully, on August 29, at Sutton Hill Retirement and Nursing home, she was 88 years old. Barbara is the daughter of the late Samuel and Anna (Hughes) Higton of Lawrence, MA and was born on February 14, 1928, in Lawrence, MA. Barbara, attended Saint Augustine School on Tower Hill Lawrence, Lawrence High School, and Lowell State Teachers College. Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 20 years, former North Andover Selectman Fred P. Oakes, in September of 1968 and she continued to raise her six children who then ranged in age from 2 to 18. Barbara was dedicated to her faith and her family, especially her daughter Beverly with whom she resided for many years prior to becoming ill. Barbara loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing family games on the holidays, visiting the beach with her family, traveling, and going on house tours. Barbara was an avid reader and movie buff and that was obvious when everyone wanted her on their team for family trivia games. Barbara?s love of family and friends extended to where the door was always open and all were welcomed at her home. Barbara was employed by the Lawrence School System, and spent many years working at the Leonard School. Barbara loved meeting her former students and learning of their accomplishments, many whom are employed in the health care field, some taking care of her at Sutton Hill. Barbara is survived by her six children, daughter Kathleen Manzi and her husband Albert P. Manzi Jr. of North Andover, daughter Patricia Menery and husband Mark C. Menery of Newburyport, Daughter Beverly Oakes of Methuen, Daughter Nancy Finn and her husband Joseph Finn of North Andover, Son Fred P. Oakes, Jr. of North Andover, and Son Peter S. Oakes of Seabrook Beach N.H. Barbara was the oldest of four sisters and is survived by, Helene Frank and her husband Francis Frank of Andover, Beverly Tardif and Husband Richard Tardif of Northfield, N.H., and was predeceased by her sister Ann Gaiolas of Haverhill, MA. Barbara is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Attorney Albert P. Manzi III and wife Lahlayne S. Manzi of North Andover, Alyssa K. Ritter and husband Gary Ritter of Newburyport, Lauren M. Ritter and her husband Scott F. Ritter of Boston, Heather L. Macauley and husband Joseph Macauley of San Francisco of California, Mark C. Menery Jr. and his wife Jennifer Menery of Newburyport, Robert O. Menery of Los Angeles California, Matthew F. Oakes of Hudson, NH, Michael E. Finn, Drew P. Finn, and Derek J. Finn all of North Andover. Barbara is also survived by eight great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews and cousins. Barbara?s family would like to thank all of the staff and her friends at Sutton Hill, who made the last four years there feel like home. Donations can be made to Fidelity House in Lawrence, who are a great support system for the family and Beverly. Funeral arrangements are with John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack Street North Andover. Friends and Family may call on Wednesday August 31, 2016 from 4pm to 8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday September 1st 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael?s Church, 196 Main St., North Andover. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery, also in North Andover. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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