Barbara Ann Hunt Peirson died November 22, 2025 at the age of 98 in her home in Wayland, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. Barbara passed from this life in the same way she had lived each day; with determination, dignity, and a great sense of humor.
Barbara is preceded in death by John Peirson, her husband of 70 years. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Robert Peirson, John Peirson Jr. (Donna Ventura), Pamela Peirson Emslie (Dave Emslie), and Susan Peirson (Paul Ritger), eleven grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her cat Star.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of Donald C. Hunt and Dorothy H. Hunt. She spent her childhood, and much of her adult life in Wellesley, Massachusetts, before moving to Wayland, MA after her children were grown. Barbara, and all four of her children attended, and graduated from Wellesley schools. She loved being a grandmother, and was very proud of each of her 18 grandchildren, never failing to mark important milestones, birthdays, and holidays with funny cards, gifts, and phone calls.
As a lover of nature, and all things beautiful, Barbara shared this appreciation of nature with everyone in her life. She loved the ocean, and during her childhood she spent much of the summer with her extended family on the seashore at Rockport, and with her father on Cape Cod in his later years. Barbara and John shared this love of nature, traveling across the country on their honeymoon, and to many beautiful sites around the world throughout their marriage. After retirement, they cherished their winters together on Siesta Key in Florida, where they enjoyed the beautiful beaches and time with family and friends. Barbara took great joy from her beautiful gardens, and enjoyed watching the birds at her backyard feeder and birdbath.
Barbara enjoyed music, especially the standards from the “Great American Songbook”. She even skipped high-school one time to see Frank Sinatra perform in Boston (and she took great pride in the wisdom of this decision). She always loved to read, and particularly enjoyed reading mysteries and historical fiction. She had piles of books, and was always excited to share one, but only if you promised to return it when you were finished.
Known to many by her childhood nickname of “Punkie”, Barbara had an amazing sense of humor, and was quick to joke and tease. She loved to laugh, and she loved to make others laugh. She was very charming, and made a strong impression on the people she met. Everyone from her children’s friends, her caregivers, her hairdresser, to complete strangers, enjoyed being around her and would comment on “what a character” she was.
Barbara will be remembered for her charming personality, and for her thoughtful, generous, caring and compassionate ways. She loved her family and friends dearly, and she was loved dearly in return. We have all been touched by this love and will hold her memory close in our hearts.
A memorial service for Barbara will be held at the Wellesley Congregational Church, 2 Central Street, Wellesley, MA. at 11:00AM on January 10, 2026. A reception will follow.
Obituary originally published at Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home.
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