Barbara (April) Fraga, 82,  of Martin Street, Essex, passed away peacefully January 10, 2011 after an extended illness at Addison Gilbert Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Robert Fraga and the daughter of the late Eugene and Alexandrina (Soucy) April.

Born in Essex Barbara was number seven of nine siblings and was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1946. Barbara enjoyed her family and friends and would be the family “go to person”, for her tailoring and design expertise; helping many family and friends, designing and making dresses and tailoring suits. She enjoyed outfitting many of her nieces and nephews. Christmas was always a special time, as she would have impeccably wrapped gifts for them all. She was also an accomplished cake decorator.

In 1959 Barbie embarked upon a 29 year career in banking were she started as the Secretary to the President of The First National Bank of Ipswich.  Barbara proceeded to take on more work than a secretary does and became the first woman officer of the bank, advancing to become the Vice President of the bank and Trust Officer.   Barbara was recognized as a trusted and respected leader of the banking community. Her business career started in Essex as a bookkeeper for Gus Means Lumber Company.

Along with her husband of 59 years, she was a member of the Ipswich Candlepins Couples bowling league winning many awards and holding a high triple greater than her husband.  For her extended family of nieces and nephews she will be always remembered as Auntie. A woman of generosity to all whose spirit for love of family will always be cherished.

In addition to her husband Robert she is survived by her brother Eugene April, her very special sister in-law Nancy and her husband Hugh Curley, many nieces and nephews including her niece Barbara Hazen, nephew and Godson Steven and his wife Paula Curley, nephew David and his wife Christine, a dear friend Dana Carter, along with her extended family of many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers Leo, Francis, Ernest & Edward, sisters Marie Singer, Rita Brown and Elizabeth April, her in-laws Lawrence Fraga, William Fraga and his wife Lillian, Jennie and her husband John Hogan, Louise and her husband Everett Harding, Irene Saunders, Marjorie and her husband Raymond Horton, and Dorothy and her husband Robert Wadsworth.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10 am in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Main Street, Essex followed by interment in the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. There are no visiting hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to a charity of one's choice.