Barbara F. McDonough

Barbara Frances McDonough, lovingly known as "Bubbe," passed away on July 17, 2026, at Rutland Regional Medical Center at the age of 86.

Barbara was born on December 3, 1939, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late Walter and Victoria Grabowski. She grew up in Jersey City and graduated from St. Michael's High School.

On June 9, 1962, Barbara married John T. McDonough. Together, they lived in many places—journeying from Jersey City to Arizona and Florida—before finally setting down roots in Vermont.

Barbara was well known for her incredible baking and cake decorating skills - she owned and operated a successful restaurant in East Arlington, Vermont, where locals still fondly remember her outstanding food. After selling the restaurant, Barbara found her true calling working with children as a substitute teacher in the local schools of Arlington and Sunderland, Vermont. She touched countless young lives with her immense patience, warmth, and encouragement.

Outside of work she enjoyed gardening, flowers, and theater. She even auditioned for and got a role at the Dorset Playhouse. Barbara's greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was her family. She bestowed upon her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a love that was truly unconditional and unwavering. She found her ultimate happiness in family gatherings, holiday celebrations, especially her beloved Saint Patrick's Day dinners. A true traditionalist, Barbara believed in staying connected through handwritten cards. Family and friends could always count on receiving a thoughtful note from her to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or simply to let them know they were loved.

Barbara was also a woman of deep and enduring faith. Prayer and her relationship with God gave her strength and comfort throughout her life, particularly following the loss of her youngest daughter, Bobbi. Her faith was reflected in every aspect of how she lived—with forgiveness, compassion, generosity, and boundless love.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Walter Grabowski; and her youngest daughter, Barbara Lee ("Bobbi").

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, John; her sister, Frances Kildey; her daughters, Michele Wilcox (Paul), Jacqueline Glaser, and Donna Gunther (Gary); her grandchildren, John (Kira), Brooke (Christopher), Hunter (Ann-Marie), Alexandra, Austin (Savannah), and Trystan (Abby); and her great-grandchildren, Charley, Lily, Zoey, Aria, and Benjamin.

Barbara’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love, quiet strength, and a life spent caring for others. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Service Details

Visiting Hours: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home (Arlington Chapel), 4596 Vermont Route 7A, Arlington, VT.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3 Houghton Street, North Bennington, VT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arlington Rescue Squad through Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home.