Barbara "Barbie" (Bolotte) McDonnell

Barbara “Barbie” McDonnell (née Bolotte), born January 21, 1944, in Brighton, MA, age 81, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman whose warmth, laughter, and strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William McDonnell (d. 2003), a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War, and by her longtime partner, Kert Konrad (d. 2019), who also served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. She was additionally preceded in death by her parents, Frank Bolotte and Ann Bolotte, whose guidance and love helped shape the woman she became.

She leaves behind four loving children: Kelly Johansen (née Hewitt), wife of the late Daniel Johansen, of Watertown, MA; Joe Hewitt and his wife, Regina, of Ashland, MA; Dee McDonnell-Cameron and her husband, Jeff, of Derry, NH; and Tim McDonnell and his wife, Jenn, of Stoughton, MA.

Barbie was a proud and loving grandmother to Jenn Hewitt, Trevor Barnette, Megan Hewitt, Danny Johansen, Luke McDonnell, and Layla McDonnell, and was predeceased by her grandchild Kelly Johansen, whom she affectionately called “Kelsey.” She was also a deeply cherished great-grandmother to Sophia Hewitt, Lyric Hewitt, and to Kelly’s children: Grace Johansen, Violet Cairo, and Lilly Cairo. Barbie delighted in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, sharing in their milestones, and being a constant presence in their lives.

She is also survived by her siblings Ann Marie Thomas (née Bolotte) and Joe Bolotte. Ann Marie was predeceased by her husband, Jimmy Thomas, and Barbie was also predeceased by her brother Frank Bolotte and his wife, Amelia Bolotte. She is survived as well by her godchild Karen Cullen, whom she lovingly referred to as “Queenie,” along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

During the years when her husband William was stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, often deployed overseas, Barbie held the household together with strength and a deep love for her children. She worked on base for decades until her retirement and, following William’s death, found companionship with Kert Konrad, whom she cherished deeply and warmly welcomed into the family. One of her greatest joys in her later years was returning to Hanscom each week to meet friends for coffee and conversation.

Family vacations to Old Orchard Beach were among her happiest memories, filled with laughter, stories, and family fun. Above all, Barbie treasured time with her grandchildren, who adored her. She could also be known for her liberal use of swear words and her fiery temper, so the writer of this obituary hopes she’s satisfied with how it turned out.

Barbie will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Funeral from the Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home 63 Chestnut Hill Ave (nr Brighton Courthouse) BRIGHTON on Monday November 24th at 9:30am.  Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Columbkille Church 321 Market St Brighton at 10:30am.  Interment St. Joseph Cemetery West Roxbury.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Visiting Hours on Sunday November 23rd from 2-4pm in the funeral home.

For directions and guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com

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