Barbara L Henriques

Barbara Louise Henriques left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, entering heavenly glory on April 19, 2023 at the age of 87. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

She was born to Eugene and Susan (Oakley) Kardel on February 26, 1936. Barbara grew up in Newport, RI. During her high school years, she was also a member of the snare drum line, performing with the Jamestown Girls Drum and Bugle Corps. Later, she worked for New England Telephone as a switchboard operator. She then met her future husband Ray and they were married for 61 years. Together, they had 5 children: Ray Jr., Billy, Cheryl, Paul and Teresa. Barbara also assisted Ray for a number of years at the well known Ray's Shell station in Portsmouth, RI.

Barbara was a modest and quiet woman who cared for her ailing husband for several years before passing. She was also quite witty at times! She was sensitive, compassionate and modeled generosity. She loved swimming, cooking, sewing and on occasion playing Bingo. She was also an avid bowler which took her around the country in the Women's International Bowling Championship tournaments. She also traveled cross country for a number of years with Ray in their RV to places such as Orlando, Branson and Myrtle Beach, attending an occasional NASCAR race along the way. On certain trips to Disney and Hershey Park, they also enjoyed taking their grandchildren with them.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her son Ray Jr., her son Paul, as well as her eight siblings. She is survived by her son William (Patti) Henriques, her daughter Cheryl Reynolds, her daughter Teresa (Robert) Gomes, her daughter-in-laws Marie Henriques and Pamela Ferris, in addition to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her legacy will carry on forever in the lives she touched, reminding us that God can work through us if we surrender to Him. Her faith demonstrated we can choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Connors Funeral Home, 55 W. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. A funeral service will be held at Connors Funeral Home on Monday, April 24th at 9:00am, followed by a burial at Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be made in Barbara's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org