Barbara (Bluestein) Karmelin

Barbara (Bluestein) Karmelin, age 92, died peacefully after a brief hospital stay, on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Isadore C. & Francis (Feins) Bluestein. She resided in Brookline, raised her family in Walpole, and settled in Franklin in her retirement years.

Barbara was a 1948 graduate of Brookline High School, and held an Associate’s Degree from Mount Ida College. She used her people skills while working at Ashmont Discount Supply, Polaroid Corporation, and Analogue Devices.

Early on, Barbara enjoyed playing golf and then enjoyed watching golf on TV. She looked forward to watching the Boston and New England sports teams. Barbara enjoyed reading, playing Mah Jong, she loved to dance, especially with her beloved dance partner companion Gus Sanfilipo.

One of her very favorite things was to spend time at Gilly’s House in Wrentham, where she would “hang with the guys,”

She was an early and very popular member of Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin and celebrated many special times at the Chabad Jewish Center of Milford.

Her popularity expanded over generations.

Barbara’s family wishes to thank the members of both congregations who became her village of friends and caretakers and all who made a difference.

Loving mother of Steven & his wife Kim of West Hills, CA, Ruth Karmelin-Bice & her husband Tim, Debra Wheeler & her husband Kevin and Lisa Anderson. Adored grandmother of Taylor, Sara, Rebecca, Kristen, Jake and Erick and great grandmother Brooke, Tyler, Trevor and Riley. Dear sister of William Bluestein & his wife Margorie, sister-in-law Deanna Bluestein, and aunt of Susan Shaffer and Robin Lawlor and their families. Barbara was a proud member of "the Cousin's Club". Additional survivors include her special longtime friends, Anne & Peter Bonner and their children, dear friends Barbara & David Gillmeister, her wonderful caretaker, Linda Sabino and Glen Meadow Building 7 neighborhood, where the residents and even Jackie the mail person, checked in on her.

“Nobody had more friends than Barbara” one friend announced and another friend claimed they knew no one more opened minded than Barbara. When asked what words would be used to describe Barbara, responses included extremely independent, strong willed, empathetic and loving.

Services at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington St., Canton on Thursday, August 3 at 1:30pm (livestream viewing using the following link: www.tinyurl.com/BarbaraKarmelin). Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon.

Memorial observance will be held at the home of Timothy & Ruth Karmelin-Bice immediately following the burial through 8pm with a minyan at 7:30pm and Friday, August 4 from 2pm through sundown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gilly’s House, 1022 West St, Wrentham, MA 02093 or a charity of your choice.