Barbara Helen Hobson

Barbara Helen Hobson, 89 of Gulfport, MS and formerly of Massachusetts passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice surrounded by her family. She was born on December 5, 1934 in Worcester, MA to the late Charles & Helen Dufresne. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert “Bob” William Hobson; and grandson, Derek Gosselin.

Barbara was born and raised in Worcester, MA and worked in various factories in the area. She met Robert when she was 16, and they were married on October 9, 1954. Robert was an Army Veteran which took them on a world wide adventure. Together they helped raise six children throughout the United States. Barbara had a love for travel and enjoyed seeing where the next adventure would go. After Robert retired from the military in 1971 they settled back in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is where Barbara worked for Milton Bradley Corp. Then in 1997, they moved to Florida to retire, and enjoyed being near Disney World. After, Robert’s passing she moved to Tennessee to be with family. Later, Barbara moved to Gulf Coast and resided in Gulfport for the last 9 years with her family. 

Barabara enjoyed music and dancing. Even at 89 years she could navigate a computer and could navigate technology. She was a loving and devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend to so many. Barbara will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara is survived by her loving children, Debora (Dennis) Mercon, Robert Hobson Jr., Kathleen (Joe) Zilaro, Joey (Tina) Hobson, Jeffrey (Nada) Hobson, and Daniel (Leslie) Hobson; sister, Nancy (Arthur) Lambert; and nephew, Jason Lambert. Barbara also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, friends, and extended family.

Services will be held privately at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport is assisting with arrangements in Mississippi.

Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, Agawam, MA will be assisting with services in Massachusetts