Barbara J. (Bullens) Bresnahan

Barbara J. Bresnahan (nee Bullens) passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family. Born during the Depression era in Lamar, Arkansas to Billy and Connie Bullens, her family eventually settled in Westfield, Massachusetts. Her father, a well known coach and supporter of Westfield youth sports, instilled in Barbara a lifelong love of sports and local teams, especially the Boston Celtics and Red Sox. Barbara was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School (’51) and Westfield State (’55) with a degree in education. Growing up, she loved going to baseball games and dances with her friends, and it was during that time she met the love of her life, Patrick Bresnahan. Together they bought a house on Williams Street in Holyoke, where they raised seven children. A natural chef and hostess, Barbara transformed the Bresnahan home into a hub of activity for friends and family alike. Over the years, Barbara became an avid tennis player, going on to compete in amateur competitions at the Canoe Club, Wilbraham Tennis Club, and many other clubs across New England. She and Patrick loved to travel, visiting many countries over the years, but she loved the time spent in Kinsale, Ireland the best. As magical as the Emerald Isle was to her, though, nothing could compare to the placid waters of Scargo Lake in Dennis, Massachusetts, where she lived for over 25 years. Barbara had a real zest for life which she shared with her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This was especially true when it came to music. She made sure that even the youngest knew about Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. Like her son Kevin, she loved the blues. She is dearly missed and will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband Patrick; her daughter Kathleen and husband Edward Casey of Springfield; her daughter Eileen and her partner Jim Skockzylas of Holyoke; her son Terry and his wife Deborah of Amherst; daughters Maura of Holyoke, Megan of Miami, and Bridget of Holyoke; and grandchildren Rory Casey, Caitlin Casey, Collan Bresnahan, Kyle Bresnahan, Hannah Twiss, Dylan O’Shea, and Lauren Bresnahan; and great-grandchildren Patrick, Amelia, and Tilia; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Joanne and her husband Jack Robienczak; her brother Billy and his wife Judy Bullens; her sister Kathleen Pelland; her brother Tommy and his wife Lynn; her sister Susan and her husband Peter Wood; her sisters-in-law Kathleen and Claire Bresnahan. She was predeceased by: her son Kevin; her sister Mary and her husband Ray Krutka; her sister-in-law Maureen Bresnahan, and her brothers-in-law James Bresnahan, Shaun Bresnahan, and Richard Pelland. A calling hour will be held Tuesday, August 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Saint Patrick Chapel of Saint Jerome Church, 169 Hampden Street, Holyoke. A prayer service will take place at 10:30 in the Chapel, followed by burial in Saint Jerome Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Holyoke VNA for their support in Barbara's final days, especially Katie and Abby. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Jericho Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults or Holyoke VNA. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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