ADAMS, Mass. — Mrs. Barbara Ann (McAndrews) Meczywor, 79, of Adams died on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Barbara was an extraordinary woman. There are many in the Adams community who will deeply mourn her passing as her life was one of service, love and compassion. 

She was born in Adams on May 24, 1937, the daughter of the late Michael and Veronica (Gebarowski) McAndrews. She attended school in Adams and graduated from the former Adams High School with the class of 1954. 

Mrs. Meczywor worked for many years for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, first in the Adams office, then in North Adams until her retirement. She was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II in Adams and volunteered at its Charity Center since its inception. 

Barbara was passionate about the Town of Adams. In 1982 she was the first woman elected to the Board of Selectman, where she proudly served until 1991, and then again from 1992 to 1998, both as a member and as the chairwoman. She was a former member of the Adams Town Democratic Committee, the Town Finance Committee, the Parks Commission, the Council on Aging Board, and was a longtime town meeting member. The 1990 Annual Town Report was dedicated to Barbara for her many years of public service. 

She enjoyed visits to The Red Carpet Restaurant for political conversations and to support the many local youth and high school programs and teams for which she deeply believed in. Barbara was a member of the Adams High School Class of 1954 Reunion Committee, the Adams Council on Aging, and volunteered with the "Matter of Balance" program. She recently joined the Red Hat Society and was looking forward to their activities. Beyond supporting the Town of Adams, Barbara was very active in the recovery community. 

While Barbara enjoyed bus trips to the casinos and spending time with friends, it was her family that she was most proud of. Her quiet pride surfaced when discussing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Barbara rarely missed an event, regardless of the time or location, and one could often see her beaming with pride in the audience or hear her cheering loudly and proudly in the stands. She made wonderful friends at all of the games, and she will be remembered for her camaraderie and laughter.

She is survived by two daughters, Paula Kordana and her husband Larry of Windsor and Linda Rodovick and her husband Joe of Stamford, Vt.; one son, Michael Meczywor and his wife Molly of Adams; six grandchildren, Matthew and Mark Rodovick, Jake Kordana, and Casey, Carson and Emma Meczywor; one great-granddaughter, Farrah Rose Rodovick; her sister, Deidre Sanderson and her husband Dale, of Hudson, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews, including Diane Ryczek, with whom she shared a special bond. 

She was predeceased by her former husband, Leopold "Paul" Meczywor; her two brothers, Michael and Owen McAndrews; and her three sisters, Joan Ryczek, Jean Pitroff and Josephine McAndrews. 

Barbara's family would like to thank Dr. Alsmaan and the nurses at the Berkshire Medical Center Critical Care and Step Down Unit for their excellent care and compassion. 

Funeral notice: The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 9 a.m. from the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, McKinley Square, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Robert Miskell. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Adams. 

Calling hours are Wednesday, November 16, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Josh Bressette Commit to Save a Life Inc., 2345 Skiparre Rd., North Pownal, VT 05260.