Barbara E. (West) Manzelli

Barbara Elizabeth Manzelli passed away peacefully on February 18, 2023 at her home in Watertown.  She was born in Waltham to Anthony “Westy” West and Edith West (Lalime).  Barbara grew up in West Newton and attended St. Bernard’s High School, graduating in 1954, followed by the Wydham Secretarial School in Boston.   She was a very active young woman: an accomplished ballerina and tennis player.   She loved animals and riding horses.    She loved playing the piano and played it very well. Barbara, along with her sister Nancy, started working with their dad Westy in his jewelers shop, A.R. West Jewelers, in Boston when she was a teenager. They were both his trusted associates.

Soon after school she met the man of her dreams, “Bobby”.  From that point on her course was charted.  As her husband Bob began navigating politics and the business world, she became the de facto “Sergeant at Arms” for both Bob and her family.   A fierce defender and protector, always with a heart full of love. 

She inspired her children and grandchildren to believe they can be called to great things and she was always first to celebrate their many accomplishments.  Her faith was deeply seated and she was not afraid to share it.   She and Bob loved to explore and they traveled the world extensively.   They both made it a hobby of making many friends along the way especially at their favorite retreats at Long Beach and N. Conway.  

Barbara was virtuous, inclusive and nurturing.  All were welcome to her home and into her life, with open arms. 
 

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert A. “Bob” Manzelli. Loving mother of Marc A. Manzelli & his wife Christine of Wakefield, Michael Paul Manzelli & his wife Betsy of Gloucester, and Michelle M. Bodoni & her husband Rob of Tewksbury. Dear sister of Nancy Murphy & Valerie Teeven. Loving grandmother of Brianna West Huddleston & her husband James, Kash E. Manzelli & his wife Maura, Sean C. Manzelli, Allison Heath Manzelli, Julia E. Bodoni, & Matthew R. Bodoni. Also survived by her great-grandson Theodore, sister-in-law Marilyn J. Cookson & her husband Jon, Jane Manzelli, & many nieces and nephews.  

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday February 24, 2023, in St. Patrick Church, 212 Main St., Watertown at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club 25 Whites Ave. Watertown, MA 02472 or at www.watertownbgc.org  

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