Barbara Anne Maloney

Barbara A. (Cataldo) Maloney, age 65, long-time resident of Quincy, most recently of Braintree, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness on Thursday October 16, 2025 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Born in Boston, MA on July 21, 1960, she was the loving daughter of the late William D. and Theresa H. (Egan) Cataldo.

Barbara grew up in a close-knit family in the Squantum neighborhood of Quincy, a place where the family still gathers to celebrate Barbara’s favorite holiday, the 4th of July. She was a 1978 graduate of North Quincy High School and continued her education at Quincy College, earning an associate degree in early childhood education.

From childhood, Barbara’s primary love and passion was to care for others. Beginning with her three younger brothers and continuing with her five children and five grandchildren, Barbara dedicated her life to ensuring those under her care felt loved, protected, and special. Her children were the most important thing in her life and always came first. She took great pride in her children and always supported them in all aspects of their lives as they grew up into adulthood. Sixteen years ago, Barbara proudly assumed the title of ‘Gram’ and ever since then, has doted on her five grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Helping shape them into the kind, talented children they are is an enduring part of her legacy.

For many years, Barbara worked in the bakery at Shaw’s, a place where she made many life-long friendships and developed a talent for baking that she shared with the world her entire life. Barbara loved going to the beaches in Rockport and Nantasket and could always be found with a book in her hands. She was also a music lover and enjoyed going to concerts with her daughter Annie. However, Barbara’s true calling was to provide childcare, which she did for dozens of children over a 40 year span. She took great pride in ensuring every child she cared for was loved and felt like they had a home at her house. Barbara considered herself ‘a mom to all,’ and made all of her ‘kids’ feel that way too. This included, not only the children directly under her care, but all of her children’s friends and neighborhood kids who would make 61 Burns Ave a part of their lives.

Barbara is survived by her devoted children: Michael W. Maloney Jr. and his wife Melissa of Wilmington, John M. Maloney of Braintree, Annie E. (Maloney) Giordano and her husband Matt of Westwood, Brendan J. Maloney of Braintree, and Coleman F. Maloney of Quincy. She was the cherished and adoring grandmother of Emma, Adalyn, Grace, Noah, and Lily Maloney. She was the dear sister of William D. “Liam” Cataldo and his partner Julia Nielsen of Quincy, John E. Cataldo and his wife Nina of Salem, OR, and James M. Cataldo and his wife Eileen of Dedham. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Friends and Family are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday November 1, from 12PM-3PM at the Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry Street, Quincy.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Barbara’s memory, please consider donating to The Home for Little Wanderers (thehome.org).

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