CUMBERLAND

Barbara D. Hemond, 88, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, surrounded by the love and care of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Roger A. Hemond, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Providence, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late Armand and Esther (Irwin) Houle. She made Cumberland her home in 1964 and remained a proud resident for most of her life.

Barbara dedicated her professional life to serving others as an Interpreter for the Deaf with the Vocational Rehabilitation program in Providence.  A trailblazer in her field, she was the founding member and first President of the Rhode Island Association for the Deaf. A 1955 graduate of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, Barbara was passionate about advocacy and fostering a sense of community among the Deaf population.

Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted communicant of the Historic St. Joseph Church in Cumberland. Barbara found joy in sewing, quilting, embroidery, reading and cherished the time spent with her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her three children: Wayne L. Hemond of Warwick; Carl D. Hemond and his wife, Janice, of Lincoln; and Sandra D. Harmon of Cumberland. She was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Nicholas J. Hemond, Jay Mason Hemond, Alex Hemond, Jared Hemond, Myraha Arias-Harmon, Victoria Harmon, Madison Hemond, and Lucas Hemond; her four great-grandchildren, Acacia, Noah, Theo, and Banks.   Barbara also leaves behind her two loving sisters, Karen Reilly of California and Kathy Poirier of Cumberland. She was predeceased by her brother, Craig Houle and her son-in-law Sylvester Harmon.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Barbara's Life Celebration to be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 10 AM to 12 NOON in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland.  A prayer service will be held at 12 NOON.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Cumberland.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com