Methuen, Ma. – Barbara A. (Burns) Hevey, 56, died Tuesday, September 22nd at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July of this year.
Barbara was born November 6, 1952. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Claire (Currier) Burns. She was a graduate of Saint Patrick’s High School in South Lawrence, the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, and Fitchburg State College where she received her Masters Degree in Education.
For 31 years Barbara was a school teacher in the City of Lawrence. She taught in several city elementary schools at a number of grade levels. Currently, she was a reading specialist at the Bruce and Hennessey schools.
A parishioner of Saint Lucy’s Church in Methuen, Mrs. Hevey taught CCD, served as a eucharistic minister, church lector and was a bingo volunteer for the church. At church, she also volunteered with a group that cooked in order to provide a weekly meal for Lazarus House.
Barbara was an active union member of the Lawrence Teachers Union. She served as the union secretary, a contract negotiator, building representative and as a delegate to the annual convention. She was a member of the College Club of Greater Lawrence, which provides scholarships to area students. She had served as its treasurer and until her sickness was a member of this year’s scholarship selection committee.
Barbara enjoyed working in her yard and flower gardens and taking long walks through the surrounding neighborhood with her pet dog Caesar (Dave). She and her dog became well known by neighbors on those streets.
A longtime Methuen resident Barbara is survived by her husband Larry of 31 years, two daughters Kate and Christine Hevey both of Methuen, two brothers Chuck and wife Beverly Burns of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and Buddy Burns and the late Barbara (Audy) Burns of Methuen and four nieces and a nephew.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday morning at 9:00 o’clock at Saint Lucy’s Church in Methuen.
Friends may call Sunday evening from 7-9 P.M. and Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen.
Memorial contributions may be made to the College Club of Greater Lawrence, c/o 28 Autumn Road, Dracut, MA 01826.