Eleanor “Barbara” (Hayes) Dowd, 89, passed away on July 8, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Born on October 5, 1936, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of Eleanor (LaMontagne) Hayes and William P. Hayes. She was the only daughter among six brothers, a role that helped shape her strength, resilience, love of laughter, and spirited personality. She remained close with her brothers throughout her life and often shared fond stories and memories of growing up together.

Barbara grew up in West Springfield and Agawam, Massachusetts, and attended Cathedral High School. She graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1957 and dedicated her career to caring for others with compassion, kindness, and professionalism.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Dowd, and by her eldest son, Dr. Andrew Dowd.

In her later years, Barbara enjoyed living on Pleasure Beach in Waterford, Connecticut, with her companion, Raymond Facchini. Together they enjoyed traveling abroad and exploring new places. She especially loved having her family gather at the beach, where countless happy memories were made together.

Barbara was known for her curiosity, love of laughter, and genuine interest in the people she loved. One of her favorite expressions was “What’s the scoop?” She delighted in keeping up with the latest family news and was always eager to hear what was happening in the lives of family and friends. Whether over coffee, at the beach, or during a phone call, she loved a good conversation.

She was deeply grateful for the many close friends and family members who stood by her through life’s joys and challenges. Their friendship, kindness, and unwavering support helped carry her through difficult times, and she treasured those relationships throughout her life.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Matthew Dowd and his wife, Mary, of South Hadley, Massachusetts; Mark Dowd and his wife, Terri, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and John Dowd of Granby, Massachusetts. She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Madeline McDonough, Thomas Dowd, Jack Dowd, Caroline Dowd, Julia Dowd, Rory Dowd, and Nora Dowd; and one treasured great-granddaughter, Rowan McDonough.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. at O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, her resilience, her sense of humor, and her unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives through her work as a nurse and through the kindness she showed to everyone fortunate enough to know her.