Barbara Fenton Kenworthy

Barbara Fenton Kenworthy, age 94, resident of Melrose and Peaks Island, Maine, passed away peacefully and surrounded by close family on Saturday April 19, 2025.

Barb was the eldest child of Lillian Newsom Fenton and C. John Fenton. Born in Boston on July 11, 1930, she grew up in a multigenerational home on Porter Street in Melrose that included her grandparents, parents and three younger siblings: Al, Carol and Don. She married the love of her life, "Ken" Kenworthy in 1953 and together they built their home, also on Porter Street and raised their three children: Laurel, Scot and Eric. Barb was a stay-at home mom very involved in numerous church and community projects as well as local committees. She spent the last nine years as a happy and beloved resident of the Fitch Home in Melrose.

Barbara graduated Melrose High School in 1947. She later completed her Bachelor's degree at Northeastern University and her Master's in Social Work at Boston College. Social work was a perfect fit for Barb's caring personality and commitment to service work. She primarily worked with people with substance use disorders at Whidden Hospital and in private practice. Her interests included a love of nature, reading, music and fine art, as well as travelling. Her generous love of people blessed her with many long-lasting friendships and a strong commitment to the Hickory Hawks Ski Club and the Peaks Island (ME) community, where Barb, Ken and family spent many summers with their extended family and friends. A kind and spiritual person, Barb had a strong faith in God.

She leaves her daughter, Laurel Kenworthy of Melrose (Joe Sheil), son Scot and wife Patricia O'Donnell Kenworthy of Nahant, son Eric and wife Joanne Chiulli Kenworthy of Melrose. Granddaughters Leah Callahan of Boylston MA, Emmy Callahan of Biddeford, ME, Tara Kenworthy LaMarca and husband Roger LaMarca of Ft Lauderdale, FL, Jessica Kenworthy of San Francisco, CA and Gina Kenworthy of Melrose. Great granddaughter Reese LaMarca. Sister Carol Farnsworth (George Cooper) and late husband Richard Farnsworth of York ME, brother Al Fenton and deceased wife Elizabeth Fenton) of Clearwater FL, brother Don Fenton and his wife Nancy (both deceased). Shortly following her death, her Brother-in-law Richard Kenworthy (George Baker) passed away in North Reading. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families, many friends both life-long and new, and beloved granddogs. Barbara leaves a legacy of love, dedication to family and commitment to serving others.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Barbara's life on Friday May 2 at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St, Melrose, for her Funeral Service celebrated at 11 AM. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Barbara's memory may be made to The Fitch Home, 75 Lake Ave, Melrose, MA. 02176 or Angell Memorial Hospital, 350 S Huntington St, Boston, MA 02130 or at MSPCA.org.