Barbara McWhirter of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a long struggle with COPD. She was 88 years old.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Richard ("Dick") McWhirter; her three sons, Steven, Jeffrey (MaryAnn), and Michael (Judi); eight grandchildren (Amanda, Alannah, Matt, Laura, Jenny, Amy, Sarah, Madison); five great-grandchildren; and brother David Hintz. She was predeceased by her eldest son, Mark (Machelle), whose passing was a profound and heartbreaking loss for her.

Barbara was born on February 7, 1938, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to David and Jane Hintz. After her family moved to Wyandotte, Michigan, she attended Roosevelt High School, where she played the clarinet in the marching band and starred in the junior class play.

After graduating nursing school at the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit in 1958, Barbara married Richard McWhirter in 1959. Together they built a life in Warren and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, before relocating to Barrington, Rhode Island, in 1987. What was intended to be a temporary five-year relocation became a richly lived thirty-nine years in Rhode Island. Barbara enjoyed traveling to visit family in Michigan, Colorado, and California and was an active member of the Barrington Congregational Church, where she participated in church life and formed many lasting friendships.

Barbara's greatest calling was her family and her many dogs (Charlie, Abby, Molly, Maggie, Max, Jake and Dandy Boy).  Before mobility issues limited her, Barbara was a familiar sight in her neighborhood, walking her dogs. Throughout much of her life, she faced the difficult challenges of depression and anorexia with remarkable perseverance. Despite these struggles, she remained a caring wife and mother, a loyal friend, and a kind, compassionate presence in the lives of those who knew her. She had a keen mind, loved to talk with family and friends, and could always laugh at a good joke.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength, enduring love for her family, and the warmth and kindness she extended to others.

A family memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held this fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Barrington Land Conservation Trust (BLCT.org) in honor of Barbara and in recognition of Barbara and Richard's longtime support of the organization.