BELLINGHAM: Barbara A. (Shannon) McIsaac, age 82, a longtime Bellingham resident, died peacefully on Tuesday night, September 10, 2013, surrounded by her loving family at Boston Medical Center. The beloved wife of 35 years of late James A. McIsaac, Barbara was the devoted partner of Ron Pynn since 1994.
Born in Lynn, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Jeannette (Parsons) Shannon. Barbara was raised primarily in Chelsea and was a graduate of Saint Rose School. She married Jim in 1953 and they lived several years in Everett prior to settling in Bellingham in 1959. Barbara had worked as a crossing guard with the Bellingham Police Department and for many years at the Gloria Stevens Exercise and Weight Loss Executive Offices. After Jim passed away in 1988, she became employed with Building #19 in Natick as a sales associate. She remained with the store until her retirement at age 81.
Barbara was charitable by nature and was happiest when helping others. She assisted Ron with his functions as member of the Pequod Lodge of Oddfellows in Holliston and encouraged him in his love of bringing joy to others in the persona of Santa Claus. One year at a Santa convention, Ron was surprised to look up and see Barbara being measured for a Mrs. Claus outfit. Thereafter they visited area nursing homes together and sought out those in need of love and the spirit of Christmas, both of which they readily shared.
She is survived by Ron, her children and his, James A. McIsaac and fiancé Mary Jane O’Brien of Plymouth, Michael F. McIsaac of Bellingham, Janette M. Connolly and friend Bob Jordan of Framingham, Rhonda Digilio and husband Thomas of RI, Ronald Pynn of RI, and Wendy Pynn of Taunton; eight grandchildren, Shannon Connolly, Justin McIsaac, John and Ryan Fennessey, Daniel Thompson, Kristen Orsini, and Brandon and Colin Pynn; two great-granddaughters, Elizabeth and Caitlyn; and a sister, Beverly O’Connor of Middleboro. She was also predeceased by a brother, Robert Shannon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, on Monday, Sept. 16th at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery. Visiting hours at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, will be Sunday, 2 – 5p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp NEOFA, PO Box 101, Liberty, ME 04949.