Barbara E. (Carnes) Halmkin, a life-long Medford resident, died Sunday evening, at home. She was 85.
Born in Medford, she was the daughter of the late Edward J. and the late Gertrude (Brown) Carnes. Barbara graduated with Medford High’s class of 1941 and served as class treasurer. As a class officer, she helped organize all of her class reunions. She was a life-long political enthusiast who followed the details of the current elections. Barbara was particularly proud of being crowned “Miss York Beach” in the summer of 1941. She married the boy next door, William Halmkin, in 1947. Barbara was a dedicated wife and mother, who enjoyed strong friendships in her neighborhood. Once her children grew-up she went to work as a bookkeeper with McCullough Chain Saws of Reading. She was an active member of the former St. James Parish throughout her life, being one of the few people who worshiped at the first and last masses in the church.
She was the beloved wife of the late William E. Halmkin. She was a devoted mother to Patricia Bjork and her husband Arthur of Salem, NH, Denise Zurman of Harwich, Sheila McGlynn and her husband Mayor Michael McGlynn of Medford, Mary Halmkin of Medford, William Halmkin and his wife Barbara of Boston, Stephen Halmkin of Medford, and the late Carol Pflaumer. She was a dear mother-in-law to James Pflaumer. She was a loving grandmother to Susan and Christine Bjork, Kathleen, Jennifer, Amanda McGlynn and Elise Pflaumer. She was the sister of the late Robert and William Carnes.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Wednesday at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Barbara´s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A First Ave. Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02154.