Barbara Ann (McCallum) Ekstrom

Barbara Ann (McCallum) Ekstrom of Middleboro died peacefully and surrounded 
by her family on May 5, 2023.  She was 83.  
 
She was born on September 23, 1939 in Middleboro, attending local schools.   
Barbara was a graduate of Middleboro High School, Class of 1957 where she was 
a majorette. Barbara was the daughter of the late Zola Mae Hadsell of Middleboro, 
MA, Jeremiah Duncan Scott McCallum of Middleboro, MA and stepdaughter of 
the late Grant Buckingham Hadsell of Middleboro, MA.   
 
Barbara loved her family and friends and that love was returned. In addition, she 
had a very strong work ethic her entire life. She worked at the candy counter and 
ticket booth for the Middleboro movie theater.  She worked at Winthrop Atkins and 
nights at Ocean Spray.  Barbara also worked at Heritage Carriage in Middleboro 
reupholstering carriages.  Throughout her life, she worked as an upholsterer, 
seamstress and cake maker, all from referrals.  Working with her hands, Barbara’s 
talents were endless.  She could do anything with a sewing machine.  During a 
weekend in the 1960s she took the old fabric off her couch keeping the pattern 
intact.  She bought 14 yards of fabric for a dollar a yard and proceeded to 
reupholster her couch.  That is when her upholstery career was born.  She also took 
cake decorating classes at night at Middleboro high school, skills which made her 
well-known within her circle of family, friends and beyond as a cake maker.  She 
made everything from birthday to wedding cakes.  She worked with Egger’s 
Furniture in Middleboro to repair furniture.  A highlight for Barbara was being 
commissioned to work on the Venture Carriage for the Breakers Mansion in 
Newport, RI.  She often said that if something stood still, she could cover it in 
fabric or frosting. 
 
Barbara married her love Richard Lee Ekstrom, her second husband in 1981. This 
grew their family to nine kids.  Barbara and Richard worked hard to support their 
family and seldom sat still.  Together they made a beautiful home for their family 
and their door was always open.  What was most important to her was her family.  
Her children and endless grandchildren meant everything to her.  She is also 
referred to as “Grandma Barbara” by endless honorary grandchildren.  She had 
many friends.  Especially her “Girls” from the class of 1957 and those made along 
her path of life.  Again, they meant everything to her.  
Beloved mother of Jack Munroe and his wife Sherrie Munroe of Murrieta, CA, 
Lynn Callbeck and her husband John Callbeck of Carver, MA, Kelly O’Driscoll 
and her husband Brad O’Driscoll of Middleboro, MA and Greg Munroe and his 
significant other Colette Collin of Middleboro, MA.  Stepmother of Richard 
Ekstrom and his wife Lisa Ekstrom of Lakeville, MA, Michael Ekstrom and his 
wife Tonya Ekstrom of Fort Walton, FL, Scott Ekstrom and his significant other 
Donna Pickett of Middleboro, MA, Steve Ekstrom and his wife Irene Ekstrom of 
Middleboro, MA and Ronald Ekstrom of Wareham, MA.  Barbara is also survived 
by 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 
 
Barbara is deeply loved and will be missed by her “Critters”, extended family and 
friends.  All who will be forever grateful for the joy, kindness, quick wit and 
especially the love she brought to all.   
 
Visiting hours on May 20, 2023 (Saturday) from 9 until 11 a.m. in the Central Congregational Church, 2 Webster Street (corner of South Main Street) Middleboro. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church. 

Interment Central Cemetery.  

Parking is available opposite the church in the town hall parking lot.  Attendants will be on duty.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: www.stjude.org

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