Barbara Louise Cullen

Barbara L. Cullen, 85, of Watertown, MA (formerly of Newton, MA; Greenbrae, California; and Detroit, Michigan), passed away on January 11, 2026.

She leaves behind her beloved partner, Alan Elliott, with whom she shared 31 happy years; her children and their spouses, Elizabeth Cullen and Stephen Chertkof of Chevy Chase, MD, and Jonathan Cullen and Margo Abadjian of Arlington, VA, as well as her three adored grandchildren, Julia Chertkof, Lexi Chertkof, and Danny Cullen, and an extraordinary network of friends and relatives from across the country and many continents. Barbara is also survived by her former husband, David Cullen, with whom she shared more than 30 years of marriage and friendship raising their children together, and her cousin, Caroline (Cookie) Cogan, who she grew up with and who became as close to her as a sister.

Barbara had many passions and talents. She was an accomplished pianist in her youth, winning major piano competitions in the Midwest; writer; and reader. She was passionately involved in the fight for civil and reproductive rights, often seen at protest marches challenging injustice, including over the past year. One of Barbara’s favorite places in the world was Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where she loved sharing swimming and boating with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Barbara was born on August 30, 1940, in Detroit, MI, where she was raised by her loving parents, Nellie and Morris Finkelstein. She graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, the University of Michigan with a BA and MA in Comparative Literature, and, in her middle life, Boston University School of Law.

Barbara spent her life making a difference. Active in both national and communal Jewish organizations, such as the American Jewish Congress, the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action and the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council, as well as legal rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Health Law Advocates, Barbara always spoke up for those who could not speak for themselves.

Barbara was also a prolific writer, who showed her love for those closest to her by writing beautiful poems celebrating their lives and achievements. Those fortunate enough to receive one of her poems treasured them for many years.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Barbara, who was a unique presence in so many people’s lives.