Barbara J. (Donovan) Mills

Barbara J. (Donovan) Mills, 76, died on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Seasons Hospice Care Center in Milton after a long period of declining health.  Born in Jamaica Plain, she was raised and educated in West Roxbury.  She was a graduate of Mt. St. Joseph’s Academy in West Roxbury, attended Boston University and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Boston State College.  She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in Educational Curriculum /Child Development from Cambridge College.

In August of 1970, she married Allan W. Mills at St. Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury, and together they shared over 52 years of marriage and raised three beloved children.  She was a resident of Stoughton for over 50 years.  Barbara was a dedicated teacher at the South Elementary School in Stoughton for over 32 years, retiring several years ago and was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Stoughton Teachers Association.  A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoyed music and reading and her happiest times and most cherished memories were spent spending time with her family at their vacation home in Yarmouth.

In addition to her husband Allan, she is survived by her children, Jeffrey M. Mills and his wife Nina of Westwood, Alyssa S. Ellis and her husband Harold and Jennifer E. Lee and her husband Col. John Lee, US Army, all of Walpole.  She was the sister of John Donovan of Sudbury, Marilyn Timbers of Connecticut, Marie Fletcher of W. Yarmouth, Claire Bizier of Hanson, Patricia Bates of Abington and Rita Doyle of Maine.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Julia Lee, Eliza Lee, Lorelei Lee, Robert Lee, Jake Lee, Josephine Lee, Henry Ellis, Samuel Ellis, Mason Mills and Jessica Mills as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Wednesday, January 25 from 4-7 PM.  Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Thursday, January 26 at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. James Church, Stoughton at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Chandler Gray Cemetery, Yarmouth.  Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.