Barbara A. Dionne, known to many as Cricket, 86, of Farmington, died on June 8, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a period of declining health. In her final months, she was grateful to be with her spouse of 32 years, Novella Dionne, while they were both residents of the Edgewood Center in Portsmouth. Barbara was an extraordinary person who devoted herself to caring for her family, friends, and many beloved pets and farm animals. Born in Dover, she was the eldest daughter of Agnes Weymouth and Albert Dionne. She was very close to her Grammy, Ethel Caplette who inspired her to have abiding faith. She graduated from Dover High School and later served in the Navy. She remembered her time at the San Diego Naval Base with great fondness and deep appreciation for the friendships she formed there. After her military service, Barbara became a registered physical therapist, where she met her longtime friend Donna Poore. She later returned to public service at the Portsmouth Naval Base, working as a submarine safety inspector. Barbara was also a devoted caregiver and advocate for Donna, who lived with juvenile arthritis and later became severely physically limited. To help Donna remain active in the community, Barbara bought one of the first accessible vans in the area and affectionately named it Ironsides after the television series Perry Mason. A loyal friend and tireless caregiver, Barbara mourned Donna’s untimely death deeply.

Barbara then met Novella and married in a civil union and later married. (2/9/2010) She welcomed being part of Novella’s family with Todd MacEachern, his wife, and their two children. She and Novella worked often as volunteers, always contributing to the life of the community. Barbara had lifelong deep friendships, especially with Arlene Musick and Paula Lane and their son Robert Musick and his family. She enjoyed her Friday night supper club with friends and was committed to her family, most especially Jane Weymouth and her spouse Kerri Williams. Jane was honored to be Barbara’s cousin and friend and assisted Barbara in maintaining her independence at home as long as she was able.

She leaves her spouse Novella, Novella’s son Todd MacEachern and his wife Irma Yessenia and their children Ashleigh Rae (15) and Khiana Leah (11). She also leaves her sister Irene Dowst in Clarksville , Va , niece Christine (Gregory) Schena in Deltona, Fl , Christine’s son Shane in Hadley, Ma. and niece Darece Couphlin (James) in Clarksville, VA , cousin Jane (Kerri), David Weymouth(Debbie) and John Weymouth(Russell). She also leaves many 2nd cousins including Bonnie Atkins (Alice) in Easthampton, Ma. Jennifer Brooks (Randy), Heather Abrams (Jonathan), Amy Martin (Mark) ,Peter Weymouth (Courtney) , and all of their children. She was predeceased by Janet Atkins her cousin and dear friend, Leo Weymouth, Daniel Weymouth, Andrew Weymouth and Alan Weymouth and her nephew Lenny.

Barbara chose not to have a funeral but to be celebrated by engaging in acts of kindness and commitment to friends, family, community and to the many animals to whom she was devoted. If you choose to make a monetary donation, please consider donating to Grammy Rose Dog Rescue and Sanctuary by mail at 1542 route 109; Acton, Me 04001 or through their website: grammyrose.org. If you’d prefer, donate to a faith community of your choice in Barbara’s honor.