
Barbara Ann Gauss
Passed on July 18, 2023
Resident of Holbrook, MA
Barbara Ann Gauss, 85 of Holbrook, Ma passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 after a courageous battle with lung disease. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas G. Gauss, her sister Kathleen Gundal, brothers Francis and William Gundal, and great granddaughter’s Vera and Gianna Felaccio.
Barbara was born in Boston, MA on February 8, 1938 to the late Francis E. and Katherine Spang Gundal. She was a graduate of St. Aidan’s High School, held a Child Development Associate Credential and accomplished her dream of achieving an Associate’s Degree at Wheelock College in Early Childhood Education while she balanced holding a full-time job and caring for her family. Barbara was born with a caring soul that she shared with the world through her many years working at Self Help, Inc. Head Start. She owned two small businesses Barbara’s Family Child Care and Simply Fancy. Barbara was trailblazer for her time who always had a passion for educating the children in her care.
Barbara Gauss (Gundal) married Thomas G. Gauss on May 2, 1959. She was married to the love of her life for 63 loving years. She is survived by her sister Mary E. Verwey, four children Thomas Gauss, Rosemarie Ricci (Gauss), her husband Ralph, Jean Johnson (Gauss), her husband Ted, James Gauss, and his Wife Peggy. Her many grandchildren Michael Ricci, Colleen Ricci, TJ Johnson, Christina Felaccio, Adam Felaccio, Casandra Kardell, Justin Kardell, Timothy Ricci, Molly Aukstikalnis, Alicia Johnson, Sarah Gauss, Zac Carey, Nick Gauss, Ian Nightingale, and great-grandchildren Brian Ricci, Charles Ricci, Evelyn Ricci, Amelia Ricci, Allyson Ricci, Vincent Felaccio, and Lennon Felaccio.
Barbara had a quick wit, her own sense of style, loved to shop and had a sharp sense of humor that was so uniquely her own. For over 50 years, Barbara enjoyed her time on Nelson Island where she spent many summers with her family. In later years, her adventures took her and Tom to another Island, Aruba, which was their happy place for more than 25 years. Barbara was a passionate gardener spending endless hours beautifying her yard. Over the years she dabbled in many artistries, ceramics, quilting, knitting, and sewing beautiful dresses for her granddaughters. Barbara’s time here would never be long enough for those who loved her. She will be sorely missed.
A life, so beautiful, deserves a special celebration. The family invites those who loved Barbara to join them for a celebration of life to share stories, laughs, and happiness over a life that was lived to the fullest on August 19, 2023 between 4:30 and 8:30 at The Meadowbrook Family Restaurant, 1486 Main Street, Hanson, MA. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to American Lung Association.
We are thinking of you during these difficult times.” “May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.” “We pray the love for the lost is forever carried in your memory.” “Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.”
My mother and I moved to Ma. In early 1970 as Friends of Mary Verway. We stayed part time at the Gundal home in W. Roxbury. I got to spend many days at the Gundal family island on Long Pond.
I fondly remember the hospitality of Barb, as my mother and I were invited to her home for a few meals.
50 years later I still remember the outstanding beef stuffed manicotti and the wonderful happy atmosphere.