Barbara J.F. Charest, 72, a life-long resident of Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019 surrounded by loved ones at the home of her son.

Born in 1948 to Manuel and Alice (Camara) Fernandes, Barbara was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School.  She then went on to work for the Verizon phone company until she was stricken with cancer in her mid 20's.  After beating cancer as a youth, Barbara then went on to establish her own glass engraving business called Black Orchid Exclusives.

Barbara married her true love, Marc R. Charest, and lived her dream life until his passing in 2008.  Barbara and Marc had one child, Marc R. Charest II, who they both loved centering their lives around.  Barbara and her husband enjoyed boating as well as taking cruises in her 1955 Thunderbird. She also spent several years volunteering her for the Fall River Public Schools at the library within the Matthew J. Kuss Middle School.

Barbara was an inspiration to her son for battling cancer so courageously twice in her life and also her returning to school later in life to get her Bachelor of Science in Communications.
Barbara felt the best years of her life were the last five, as she was able to get to watch her grandson Jacob grow up. She also enjoyed going out with her close group of cousins whenever she could.

She is survived by her son Marc R. Charest II, daughter in law Kimberly A. Charest (who she always regarded as a daughter), grandson Jacob C. Charest and brother Stephen Fernandes and his wife, Janet; her nephew, Stephen and niece, April.

She will be forever remembered for her love of German Shepard dogs, collection of hats, gift of gab but most importantly her devotion to being a wife and mother.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, July 2nd, in St. Joseph Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.