CUMBERLAND

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Teaching was more than a profession for Barbara; it was an opportunity to make a lasting difference in young lives.

Barbara (McKenzie) McGonagle, 94, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026, at The Friendly Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles N. McGonagle.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan, on September 9, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Michael McKenzie and Gladys (Ladd) McKenzie. Barbara made Cumberland her home in 1956, having previously resided in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Over the next seven decades, she became a cherished member of the Cumberland community, raising her family and dedicating much of her life to education, faith, and service to others.

Barbara enjoyed a rewarding career as a school teacher with the Cumberland School Department, where she devoted 30 years to 1997. Teaching was more than a profession for Barbara; it was an opportunity to make a lasting difference in young lives. Her years in the classroom reflected her dedication to learning and her commitment to the children and families of her community.

Beyond her professional career, Barbara generously shared her time and talents through her involvement with St. Aidan Church, where she participated in religious education and Confirmation preparation. She also served as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 499, helping young girls develop confidence, friendships, and important life skills. These commitments reflected the importance she placed on education, faith, community involvement, and helping others.

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Her legacy lives on through the generations she helped shape, both in the classroom and within her own family.

She was the loving mother of Jane Condon and her husband Patrick, Erin Flinn, and Kathleen Carney and her husband Paul, all of Cumberland as well as the late Mary Lynn Flynn and her husband Thomas Flynn of Smithfield. She was also a proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Patrick Condon (Eve), Michael Condon (Brittany), Pamela Villa (Kenny), Paul Carney, Sean Carney (Erin), and Marykate Carney (Louis); as well as four great-grandchildren, James, Emmett, Benjamin and Camille. In addition she leaves her brother, Dale McKenzie (Joan) of Connecticut and Robert McMahon (Pamela) of Providence.

Barbara will be remembered for her many years of service as an educator, her involvement in her church and community, and the lasting influence she had on the students, young people, and family members whose lives she touched. Her legacy lives on through the generations she helped shape, both in the classroom and within her own family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Barbara’s Life Celebration to be held with Visitation on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com