Barbara Ann Kovall, 80, of Bedford, died at her home on July 29, 2023, with her loving husband at her side.

Barbara was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and was the daughter of the late Charles Basil Kerekanich and Margaret Mary( Poprick) Kerekanich. She attended Dominican High School; the school was established by the Adrian Dominican Sisters of the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary. At Western Michigan University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972.

Barbara met her husband, Arnold (Arnie) Kovall while a freshman in college, when Arnie returned from the United States Navy as a member of the formerly known units called UDT, now the S.E.A.L. Units. They were married in Detroit and settled in Bedford in 1988.

Barbara worked for several years as Customer Support for engineering at Analogics in Peabody where she made many lifelong friendships. She attended St. Matthew's Church in Billerica. She loved decorating for the Christmas season, it was her favorite with her angel collection on display.

Active in the community, she enjoyed volunteering with the local Veterans Caretakers group and developed with the Bedford Police Dept. the Children's Finger Printing Program.

Barbara was known as Bobby, The Christmas Kid and grandma Kovall will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband Arnold F. Kovall, her son Eric A. Kovall and two grandsons, Ransom and Rhys Kovall all of Princeton, MA, her sister Judi Stuempfle of Warren Michigan and by many other loving family members and friends.

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Saturday, August 12th from 4-6 pm, at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd, Bedford, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made "In Memory of

Barbara Ann, Kerekanich, Kovall to:

St. Jude's Childrens Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Place

Memphis, TN 38105

https://www.stjude.org/

(800) 822-6344

Or

Shriners Hospitals Hospital for Children

51 Blossom St.

Boston, MA 02114

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org

617-722-3000