Obituary for Barbara J. Soper (Holden)
SOPER, Barbara Joan “Barbie Base” (Holden), age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning on June 30, 2022 at her home in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Barbara was born to Henry (“Harry”) Alton Holden, Sales Manager for Mills Music Co., and Edna (“Ba”) Ada Bedingfield, Secretary in Boston, on August 2, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up in Arlington, attended Arlington High School and the Fisher Secretarial School. Barbara met her husband Alfred (“Al”) L. Soper, Navy Veteran who fought in the Pacific during World War II, at a YMCA Social in Cambridge. The two married in 1951 at St. James Episcopal Church in Cambridge and moved into their new home in Davis Square, Somerville to start their life together. Al worked at the Herald-Traveler and Barbara raised their two children, David and Diane. Barbara later pursued a secretarial career and flourished at the Athenaeum Group in Cambridge, MA for 18 years. Outside of work, Barbara was an accomplished pianist and had a deep love of music, particularly Elvis and Johnny Cash. She treasured and respected all animals, nature, and had a profound admiration for Native American history and culture. She was an avid reader, always with a book in her hand while sitting outside in the sunshine. She also had a strong sense of Patriotism and loved watching the Fourth of July Boston Pops show each year to celebrate Independence Day. Barbara was a lifelong summer resident of York Beach, Maine. She lived for walks on the beach, trips to Nubble Lighthouse, and chocolate walnut ice cream from Browns and Dunne’s. Barbara was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and role model; a truly extraordinary woman who lived her whole life with grace, style, faith, and love. She had a spirit and smile that would light up a room. She’ll forever be remembered by her selflessness and her ability to open her heart up fully to anyone that crossed her path.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Edna, her devoted husband, Al, and her son, David J. Soper.
Barbara is survived by her best friends, daughter, Diane Gail O’Keefe and husband, Jack; her grandchildren, David Soper Liuzza (wife, Cindy), Derek Soper (fiancé, Tracy), Kerri O’Keefe, Kaitlyn Winfield (husband, John), Michelle Arruda, Michael Arruda (wife, Megan), extended grandchildren Timmy, Ryan, Jason, Kelli; her close friend Sheila O’Keefe; as well as numerous great grandchildren, additional family members and friends.
A Visitation will be held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, on Monday, July 11th from 4 PM to 7 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. In leu of flowers, please donate to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center, or MSPCA–Angell.
Tribute/Memorial Gifts - MSPCA-Angell
Barbara was born to Henry (“Harry”) Alton Holden, Sales Manager for Mills Music Co., and Edna (“Ba”) Ada Bedingfield, Secretary in Boston, on August 2, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up in Arlington, attended Arlington High School and the Fisher Secretarial School. Barbara met her husband Alfred (“Al”) L. Soper, Navy Veteran who fought in the Pacific during World War II, at a YMCA Social in Cambridge. The two married in 1951 at St. James Episcopal Church in Cambridge and moved into their new home in Davis Square, Somerville to start their life together. Al worked at the Herald-Traveler and Barbara raised their two children, David and Diane. Barbara later pursued a secretarial career and flourished at the Athenaeum Group in Cambridge, MA for 18 years. Outside of work, Barbara was an accomplished pianist and had a deep love of music, particularly Elvis and Johnny Cash. She treasured and respected all animals, nature, and had a profound admiration for Native American history and culture. She was an avid reader, always with a book in her hand while sitting outside in the sunshine. She also had a strong sense of Patriotism and loved watching the Fourth of July Boston Pops show each year to celebrate Independence Day. Barbara was a lifelong summer resident of York Beach, Maine. She lived for walks on the beach, trips to Nubble Lighthouse, and chocolate walnut ice cream from Browns and Dunne’s. Barbara was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and role model; a truly extraordinary woman who lived her whole life with grace, style, faith, and love. She had a spirit and smile that would light up a room. She’ll forever be remembered by her selflessness and her ability to open her heart up fully to anyone that crossed her path.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Edna, her devoted husband, Al, and her son, David J. Soper.
Barbara is survived by her best friends, daughter, Diane Gail O’Keefe and husband, Jack; her grandchildren, David Soper Liuzza (wife, Cindy), Derek Soper (fiancé, Tracy), Kerri O’Keefe, Kaitlyn Winfield (husband, John), Michelle Arruda, Michael Arruda (wife, Megan), extended grandchildren Timmy, Ryan, Jason, Kelli; her close friend Sheila O’Keefe; as well as numerous great grandchildren, additional family members and friends.
A Visitation will be held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, on Monday, July 11th from 4 PM to 7 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. In leu of flowers, please donate to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center, or MSPCA–Angell.
Tribute/Memorial Gifts - MSPCA-Angell