Barbara Jean (Bennett) Ciaraldi, 86, a long-time resident of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on October 22, 1939, in Lawerence MA to the late Robert F. and Mary (Mulligan) Bennett. Barbara was raised in Methuen MA and graduated as salutatorian from Tenney High School. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Samuel A. Ciaraldi, Jr., in 1958. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and dreams, sharing 45 years of marriage until his passing in 2003.

Barbara was a woman of quiet strength, intelligence and determination. After raising her children and working full time, she attended evening classes at Southern New Hampshire College, earning her Batchelor's degree summa cum laude in accounting. An accomplishment she was deeply proud of and went on to have a career as a financial analyst.

Barbara found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved reading, spending time at the Salem Senior Center, and sharing laughter and friendship through the Red Hat Society. A devout Catholic, her faith was a quiet but steady presence in her life, guiding her with grace and strength.

Her greatest joy, however, was always her family. She was a devoted and loving mother to five children, and nothing meant more to her than the time she spent with them, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was a simple visit, time spent at the lake house, or gathering for special occasions, those moments were what she treasured most.

Barbara is survived by her children, Cynthia Vigent of Lugoff, SC; Michael Ciaraldi and his wife Diane of Derry, NH; Caralyn Ciaraldi and her partner Daniel Kilbride of Salem, NH; Lisa Joslin and her husband Christopher of Derry, NH; and Paula Ciaraldi-Komola and her companion James Mulchahey of Haverhill, MA. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Laura, Taryn, Amy, Jessica, Lindsay, Jennifer, Michael, Jordan, and Samuel, and a cherished great-grandmother to fifteen great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Maryanne Akam, Ellen Murdock and her husband William, Frances Tovar and her husband Fernando; her sister-in-law Camille Ciaraldi-Peters and her husband Eric; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

In addition to her beloved husband, Samuel A. Ciaraldi, Jr., Barbara was predeceased by her son-in-law, Mark Vigeant, and her brother-in-law, Robert Akam. Each held a special place in her heart, and we find comfort in knowing they were there to welcome her home.

Barbara will be remembered for the gentle nature, her quiet strength, her intelligence, and the deep love she carried for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 9 – 10:30AM at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH. Interment will take place at St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com  Donations in place of flowers can be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or Beth Isreal Lahey Health at Home 41 mall road Burlington Ma 01805