Barbara L. (Leary) Mills

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara L. Mills, formerly of Middleborough, lovingly known to many as "Boots," on Friday, January 17, 2025.  She was 92 years old. 

She was the daughter of the late Timothy and Lauretta (Cronan) Leary and sister to Madeline O’Leary, the late Marcella Dunn, and the late Marilyn Hruniak.  Barbara grew up in Middleborough and graduated from Middleborough High School.

She is survived by her two sons, Glenn Mills of Raynham and James Mills of Berkley and his wife Juliene; her two granddaughters, Kaylyn Mills of East Providence, RI, and Kelsey Mills of Waltham.  She was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. Mills, Jr. 

As a young woman, Barbara worked as a telephone operator for the phone company, where she met her husband, Dick.  After having their two sons, Barbara stayed home to raise them.  She loved her boys and her family.  She enjoyed going out to eat with her sisters and friends, walking the Silver City Galleria Mall, and taking her granddaughters shopping for their birthdays.  She also loved the music of Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra.

Her family will receive relatives and friends at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, with a Prayer Service following at 10:45 AM.

Interment will immediately follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Wood Street, Middleborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Rest in peace, Barbara. You are loved and will never be forgotten.

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