Barbara M. Hodges

Barbara (Welch) Hodges, 88, of Amherst, NH, died peacefully Saturday morning after a brief illness. Barbara was born and raised in Newburyport, MA – a city she reminisced about often. She worked at Fowle’s Soda Shop when she was young. It was there she learned to make a coffee frappe – from then on out, one of her favorite treats. Barbara was educated in the Newburyport school system, before graduating from Immaculate Conception High School in 1951. After a whirlwind romance, Barbara married the love of her life, James Hodges, in 1961. Barb and Jim eventually settled in Amherst, NH where they built their forever home and raised their family. Barbara worked in retail most of her adult life, where she was often called Sunshine by colleagues and customers alike, who enjoyed her warm, bubbly personality. Remembered by everyone who had the privilege to know her as loving and kind. An incredible woman with a beautiful soul. Barbara’s loves: If you ask anyone who knew her, they will tell you her love for all things Elvis was a big part of Barbara’s life. Her family likes to joke that it was never a problem buying gifts for Barb. If Elvis’s face was emblazoned on it – she would love it. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and County Cork ancestry. She loved hearing someone sing or speak with a brogue; and St Patrick’s Day was one of her favorite holidays. Barbara loved to travel, vacationing in Hawaii, and visiting much of the country (including several trips to Graceland). However, Barbara’s first love was for her family; her husband, girls, and three grandchildren. Barbara was a devout Catholic, who was a firm believer in the power of prayer. She often prayed or said novenas for friends and family who needed spiritual support. Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim (“babe”), a son, James Hodges Jr, son-in-law Gerard Tracey, parents William and Beatrice (Wilson) Welch, and brother Arthur Welch. She is survived by her daughters: Rhonda Tracey of Sunapee, Cheryl Hodges of Greenfield, and Vicki Hodges of Amherst; her beloved grandchildren: Lauren D’Ambra and husband Mike of Providence, RI; Nathaniel Tracey of Newport, RI; and Brooke Hodges of Amherst; great-grandsons Jameson and Roman D’Ambra; siblings Virginia Walsh, Kathleen Pritchard, Mary Sayward, William Welch, and John and wife Candace Welch. As well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services and burial will be private; however, a Remembrance of Life celebration will take place at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you honor Barbara’s memory with a random act of kindness.