NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Barbara Mary (Cudworth) Jirkovsky, 92 of North Adams, MA died peacefully at home on Thursday April 16, 2026.

She was born in North Adams, MA on December 31, 1933, a daughter of Richard I. and Florence V. (Shand) Cudworth. She graduated from Drury High School and completed her nursing degree from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing.

Barbara worked as a registered nurse at North Adams Regional Hospital for over 40 years until her retirement. She was a member of the former First United Methodist Church in North Adams, TOPS #187, and the Retired Nurses Association. She enjoyed attending events at the UNO Community Center, concerts at the lake, and breakfasts with friends and relatives. Barbara also enjoyed reading, knitting, swimming, and baking for others. Her first job scooping ice cream led to her lifelong love of it. She loved animals and rescued several greyhounds (Joey and Chrissy) and miniature pinschers (Gypsy, Rosco, and Rosie Posie). She was a good neighbor to everyone in the Brooklyn Street neighborhood, especially the Accettas, the Wrays, and the Mongeaus.

She was the widow of William Arthur Jirkovsky who died in 1990. Survivors include two daughters, Ann M. Jirkovsky and her husband, William Fenton of Louisville, KY and Mary A. Jirkovsky of North Adams, MA. She also leaves nieces and nephews including Patricia Toner and her husband Jimmy of Billerica, MA. She was predeceased by three grandsons, William Jirkovsky Fenton in 2019, Matthew Jirkovsky Fenton in 1995, and Richard D. Fenton in 1992; her brother Richard Shand; her sister, Lucille Nicholas and her beloved friends, Eleanor Felix, Barbara Park and Mary Guest.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service for the family of Barbara Jirkovsky will be held on Friday May 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Southview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Friday May 15, 2026 from 3:30 -5:30 at the UNO Community Center, 157 River St. North Adams. Memorial donations may be made to No Paws Left Behind, from where she adopted her cat “Ponzi” in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com