Barbara N. Alarie

Barbara N. Alarie, of Waltham, died on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Brigham and Women’s Hospital following a year-long battle with cancer. She was 62.

Barbara was born in Waltham on October 26, 1961, a daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara (Neal) Alarie and had been a lifelong resident.  She was a graduate of Waltham High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Regis College in Weston. For over two decades, Barbara worked for IBM in many capacities.

Barbara was generous with both time and money, cooking for the homeless shelter, writing Christmas cards to senior citizens, and sponsoring a Waltham High Senior who missed Covid graduation with various treats, as examples.  Her true passion was in her 35+ years of volunteering annually at Camp Fatima’s EC Week which is a sleep over  camp  for generations of campers with special needs.  Camp provided  her with lifelong friendships that extended beyond the weeklong camp experience.

She leaves her beloved husband, Luke B. French; her sisters and brothers, Kathleen M. Morrison (Donald) of Chelmsford, Robert J. Alarie of Waltham, Joseph K. Alarie (Karen) of Sudbury, Kevin M. Alarie (Kathleen) of Waltham, and Melissa M. Luby (Richard) of Harvard; and her sister-in-law, Maggie Malloy of Hudson, NH. One of Barbara’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her adored nieces and nephews: Matthew (Christin), Scott, and Meghan Morrison; Samantha A. Hann (Brian); Christopher and Liam Alarie; and Aidan and Finn Malloy. Barbara recently enjoyed becoming a great-aunt to three grandnephews: Conor, Paxton, and Owen.

Spanning across her friendships and family. Barbara also loved her pet cats Clementine and Rasputin, whom were predeceased by her dog Spencer among others.

Barbara will forever be remembered as a good and kind person who was universally loved.

Family and friends will honor and remember Barbara’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at www.dana-farber.org/ ATTN: Dr. Ursula Matulonis Research.