Barbara Dunn Morris,78, of Newton passed away suddenly and peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of the late John F. Dunn (NFD) and Ruth (Pierce) Dunn of Newton, her loving brother Robert Dunn and his late wife, Doreen (Poretti) Dunn of Falmouth, her adored niece Stacy Dunn Homicki (Tom) and their children Joey, Ava & Cam. Barbara was an incredible mother to the late Amy Marie Morris and John Timothy Morris (NFD), his wife Colleen and her most greatly cherish grandchildren Madison Catherine Morris & John “JohnnyStrong” Morris. She also leaves John and Amy’s stepbrother, Trevor Morris, her most treasured friend of 60 years, Karen Magni, and her dear friend Darlene Morris, in addition to her brother and sister-in-law Terry and Alice Morris who always embraced Barbara with love, compassion & kindness.
Barbara’s early career began at the Newton Marriott as a front desk clerk. Always greeting people with a smile and kind words. She went on to become a traffic supervisor, safely crossing young children on their way to elementary school. Eventually landing at the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham, she spent 30 years with a devoted customer following, both locally and from Newton, who would gladly wait, for quite some time, to have her as their waitress. The Nocera family and Barbara held a special place in their hearts for each other, a relationship that went beyond owner / employee as evidenced by watching each other’s children grow and succeed through special occasions and Christmas cards every year.
Her most important role in life, which she had learned from the very best, her mother, Ruth, came later. Nana, was the only title that really mattered. When Madi and Johnny arrived, her life was complete. Nana was always there when needed and quite frankly many hours, minutes and days before she was asked. The world truly lost a remarkable person. After her daughter Amy unexpectedly passed, at the age of 46, a year ago, she had great difficulty overcoming her loss, as any loving mother would. In the end, Barbara died of a broken heart. It is comforting knowing that mother and daughter are reunited in heaven, along with their loved ones who have gone before them. She is now at peace.
A Mass of remembrance will be held Friday, September 25 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 573 Washington St., Newton and a lunch will follow nearby at the Sons of Italy Lodge on Adams Street, Newton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory to the Newton Firefighters Children's Fund, P.O. Box 650094, West Newton, MA 02465, would be appreciated.