Barbara F. Venuti, 78, of Bedford died unexpectedly on April 15, 2025, in Concord.

Barbara "Barbs" was raised in Belmont. She was a graduate of Rosary Academy in Watertown, Class of 1963, and attended Aquinas Junior College in Newton, where she earned her associate's degree.

Barbara met her husband Joseph Venuti in 1961. They were completely meant for each other. Joe, always the social butterfly, would go off with his friends and Barbara would hang at his parents' house at 12 Chestnut St. in Belmont playing cards with them and learning how to cook all the amazing Italian recipes that Barbs would eventually pass on to her children.  Joe and "Bibs" (as he affectionately called her) were married in Belmont on July 30, 1967. There are not enough words to truly share their journey. Best to sum it up as the greatest love story of all time.

They moved to Bedford in 1975, where they raised three beautiful children, Scott, Dave and Becky. They never moved from that home. Barbs and Joe were known for hosting everyone, at any time. There are too many stories to share about all the guests who found warmth and joy at "Club Hardy"! The one that must be shared is when Becky's friend Cherie stayed for a summer after freshman year in college… she became a part of the family. When asked, Barbs without missing a beat would always say she had four children!

She began her career working as an executive secretary for the Coca-Cola USA company in Waltham and left the company to start her family in 1971. She returned to work in 1988, taking a position as a secretary in the Bedford Public Schools. She initially worked at the John Glenn Middle School and then at the Lane Elementary School. Although she was not the principal, everyone in the school knew she was really the one in charge! She cared so deeply about all the teachers, staff and children who fondly called her "Mrs. V" even after her retirement in 2008.

Barbara had battled breast cancer two times with faith and courage. Never wanting anyone to fuss over her or worry about her. That was one of her biggest gifts to everyone who knew her. She worried and cared for everyone around her and she never wanted that attention put onto her. Her greatest quote and advice was "give a smile away!" She said it all the time to her kids and grandkids. Even Tuesday morning before her passing, she said it again… one last time.

She was a longtime member of St. Michael Parish in Bedford, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also was an active member of the Bedford Garden Club. Joe and Barbs traveled to The Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix every winter for over 30 years, where they built lifelong friendships. It was her happy place where she enjoyed being with her family and friends.

In earlier years, she was always seen sitting at the baseball fields cheering Scott and Dave on or in the audience clapping for Becky on stage. And her GRANDKIDS! twelve grandkids! She loved nothing more than seeing them all do what they loved, hosting them at the house and telling everyone and anyone how proud she was of each of them.

Everyone loved seeing "Mrs. V" buzzing around town in her convertible. She was a joy to see, as she always gave a smile away to those who passed her.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandma.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years Joseph R. Venuti, her children, Scott Venuti and his wife Gretta, David Venuti and his wife Beth and Becky Venuti and her partner, John Powers all of Bedford and Cherie Dodge and her husband, Dave of Virginia, her brother, Joseph Fernald and 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Jack, Andrew, Ava, Liam, Ryan, Grace, Lexi, Molly, Logan, Joey and Abby.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford on Tuesday, April 22, at 10:00 A.M. Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Rd., Bedford, on Monday, April 21, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation , P.O. Box 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.