Barbara A. Gahagan

Barbara Ann (Asbell) Gahagan, of Danvers, passed away peacefully at the age 94 on November 1, 2018 at Hathorne Hill Center in Danvers. The Gahagan family is saddened by the loss of their matriarch. Barbara was dedicated to her family and their memorable moments large and small - years of summers by the pool, attending all graduations, weddings and almost never missing a grandchild’s sporting event. Barbara was born on August 15, 1924 and was raised by her late mother Margaret (O’Rourke) Asbell, in Medford. She was a graduate of Girls Catholic High School in Malden, Class of 1942. Barbara and her late husband John “Jack” Gahagan moved to Danvers in the early 50’s to raise their three daughters. Barbara and Jack shared 46 years of marriage and adventure. From their love of square dancing, traveling the world, and living abroad in Saudi Arabia. Barbara enjoyed helping her community. She was an active volunteer for many years at the Danvers Senior Center and Girl Scouts. Barbara’s family will smile as they tell you wild stories about her. The time she broke her nose playing whiffle ball in the street, her dream of riding a Harley across the country, her love of gin martini’s, her never wavering religious conviction, her love of animals to name a few. Barbara is survived by her three daughters and their families: her eldest daughter, Susan Wanzer of Ipswich, Ellen Webster and her husband Ronald Webster of Rocky Point, NC, and her youngest daughter and son-in-law who she lived with for over 20 years Kathleen and Paul Smith of Danvers. Barbara aka “Grams” leaves behind a host of grandchildren, Nicole Wanzer Wartels and her husband Wyatt of San Francisco, CA; Darcie DeLuca and her partner Matthew Abell of Salem, Adam Wanzer of Ipswich, Jeffrey Smith and his wife Katie of Beverly, Emily Smith of Danvers, and Amee Webster of Kannapolis, NC. Barbara leaves behind 5 great-granddaughters: Kassi (Baker) Tassanari and her husband Ricky, Lillian Abell, Phoebe Wartels, Zoie Abell and the newest Madison Smith. Barbara is survived by her half-brother Carroll Asbell and his wife Rebecca. Barbara is also survived by her two great grand-dogs: Porter & Gizmo. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, David Wanzer. Barbara’s family would like to thank Hathorne Hill staff for the comfort and kindness they showed Barbara in her final years. They would also like to thank Katie Lloyd and Kathy Bishop for helping Barbara continue her adventures in her later years. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 at 9AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours are Monday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036, www.bcrfcure.org, or Respond, Inc., PO Box 555, Somerville, MA 02143, www.respondinc.org.