Barbara Lynn (McCluney) Arell

Barbara Lynn (McCluney) Arell was born in Würzburg, Germany, on September 19, 1955, and passed away on November 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. She came to the United States at the age of five and spent her childhood in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey—places where her love of family, learning, and the outdoors began to flourish.
   Barbara attended Lowell University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management before beginning her career as a material planner for a major defense electronics company. Guided by her compassion and a deep desire to care for others, she later earned her nursing degree from Rivière College and became a registered nurse, serving patients across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey with unwavering dedication and kindness.
Throughout her adult life, Barbara made her home in Brooklyn, New York; Nashua, New Hampshire; Harvard, Massachusetts, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; and most recently Chatham, Massachusetts—each place holding special memories and marking meaningful chapters of her life.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barbara’s heart was rooted in home, creativity, and family. She loved gardening and took great joy in nurturing the flowers and plants that surrounded her home. Her passion for cultivating beauty extended into the wider community as well, where she was an active and dedicated member of the Chatham Community Garden. She cherished working on home improvement projects with her husband, Tom, approaching each endeavor with confidence, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Some of her happiest moments were spent learning to build rock walls with her daughter, creating lasting memories stone by stone. Summers often found her relaxing on her son-in-law’s boat or on the beach, soaking up the warmth of the sun and the company of loved ones. Above all, she delighted in entertaining her family—especially at Thanksgiving—filling her home with laughter, good food, and the comfort of togetherness.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Arell; her beloved daughters, Tarja McGrail and her husband, James, and Brigit Marinelli and her husband, Steve; her brother, Marvin Strover; and her four cherished granddaughters, who were the lights of her life. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, creativity, and the deep love she shared with all who knew her.
Her presence will be forever missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.