Barbara Quirk

QUIRK, Barbara June (Fellows)Of Bedford, NH, died peacefully surrounded by her family, on January 23rd, 2022. She was born May 29, 1930, in Peabody, MA, the daughter of the late Horace E. Fellows and Kathryn (Meagher) Fellows.

Barbara was educated in the Peabody school system and a graduate of Garland Junior College (Simmons College) in 1951. After Graduation she attended the Executive Training Program at the Jordan Marsh Company, where she met "fellow worker" and future husband James F. Quirk Jr. Barbara became a buyer and manager for the women's ready to wear department in the Boston store. For over 10 years she worked for Jordan Marsh, retiring in 1961 to have children and raise her family.

Barbara was a member, supporter and officer of a number of organizations including: American Folk Art Museum, Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod, Currier Museum of Art, Institute of Art and Design at New England College, Bedford Historical Society, the Strawbery Banke Museum, The Esther Stevens Brazer Guild of Early American Decoration, The Historical Society of Early American Decoration and a longtime volunteer and fundraiser at New Hampshire Public Television. She was also a supporter and member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church for over 50 years, serving on many committees supporting parish activities.

A descendent of the earliest settlers of the North Shore, she had a lifelong interest in early American history. Barbara collected colonial and federal period antiques and painted tinware. An avid and skilled artist, she practiced and taught American folk art, early decorative arts, and quilting. Above all, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and attending family events.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, James F. Quirk Jr. and sister, Shirley (Fellows) Bernier of Waterville, ME.

She leaves behind her son, James F. Quirk III and wife, Adrienne Lotoski of Wellesley, MA, and their children, James, Kathryn and Emma; daughter Deborah A. Quirk-Timmer of Boston, MA, and her children, Jessica and Harrison; and, daughter, Donna M. Quirk of Arlington, MA.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, January 31st, at 10AM, at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meeting House Road, Bedford, NH. Reverend Msgr. John P. Quinn, V.F. will officiate. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery, also in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barbara Quirk's honor to Catholic Charities NH and mail to Catholic Charities NH, Department D, Box 9510, Manchester, NH 03108-9510 or online at www.cc-nh.org/donate/