Florence, MA – Our beloved mother, Barbara Southwick passed away surrounded by her loving family on June 5, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She was born on January 2, 1947, in Passau Germany to the late Ernest and Hildegard (Palubitzki) Couture.
She served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968. After her time serving, she worked at Pro Brush, the God Father Restaurant as a short order cook, and later as a bank teller for the Bank of New England. But she said her best job ever was watching her grandchildren. She loved her family and was accepting of everyone.
She attended Annunciation Parish where she was a part of the Church Choir for several years. She had an extreme love for animals and spent several years showing her Collies in obedience and breed. She loved to be at dog shows and see all of the different breeds. She also loved Bingo and had several friends that she would see regularly when she went.
She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Madeline T. Colson and her brother-in-law John A. Josko III.
She is survived by her husband Peter Southwick, her sons Scott and Kurt, her daughters Pamela and Angela, her brothers Michael and Gerard, her sister Patricia T. Josko, and her four grandchildren Anderson, Benjamin, Shannan, and Alexis.
Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday June 16 from 5pm-7pm at the Czelusniak Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday June 17 at 10am at the Annunciation Chapel in Florence followed by a burial with military honors at Spring Grove Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers Donations can be made to the foundation for TJO animal shelter, 237 Memorial Drive, Springfield, MA 01104.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes