Barbara A. (Mara) Ackley, 90, died Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus.

   Her husband of 58 years, Loring H. Ackley, died in 1999. Her daughter, Barbara A. Zollo, died in 2007.

   She leaves two children, David P. Ackley and his wife Diane of Douglas, and Loreen M. Krause and her husband Michael of Millinocket, Maine; a sister, Noreen Friend and her husband Thomas Friend of Leicester; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

   She was also predeceased by her brothers, Edward, David, Vincent and Thomas Mara and her sisters, A. Virginia Brigham and Kathleen Lee.

   Barbara was born in Worcester, daughter of Edward S. and Mary (Cavanaugh) Mara, and has lived in Oxford since 1969.

   She was a graduate of South High School, Worcester, and completed the licensed practical nursing program at the David Hale Fanning Trade School in Worcester.

   She was part of the nursing staff in the maternity ward at Memorial Hospital for 20 years, retiring in 1979. She enjoyed caring for newborn children and loved them as she loved her own family.

   A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 2 at Noon in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave. (Route 56), Paxton. There are no calling hours. The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.

   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Assn., 20 Speen St., Framingham 01701 or to a charity of one's choice.