Trisha A. (McMullen) Barajas

Visiting Hours will be held Saturday (FEBRUARY 28) from 10:00-12:00 PM with a service starting at 12:00noon at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole, Father Emmanuel will be Officiating.  Relatives and friends invited.  A celebration of Trish's life will be had a later date.

Trisha A. Barajas, affectionately known as Trish to her friends and loved ones, passed away on February 6, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 24, 1965, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Trish's zest for life, bold sense of humor, and her unwavering spirit touched the hearts of many throughout her 60 years.

Trish's journey began in the heartland of America, where she grew up with the values of love, community, and perseverance. Her formative years in Council Bluffs shaped a fun-loving woman with a magnetic personality, who carried her joy of life with her when she moved to the Boston area in the 1990s. Her early life was marked by a serendipitous meeting with her soulmate, Rudy Barajas, at a part-time job in 1982. Their love blossomed, leading to a beautiful wedding on April 27, 1990, at St. Joseph's Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

A devoted wife and mother, Trish's family was the center of her world. She and Rudy shared a loving partnership of 36 years, and together they raised two wonderful children, Laura and Chris. Trish's role as a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she poured her heart into supporting her children's endeavors, from Laura's creative pursuits and competitive dance events to Chris's lacrosse games and adventure sports, including his frequent visits to the ER.  

An intelligent and adventurous soul, Trish was a proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Iowa, class of 1983, followed by a Bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. Her professional life was as fulfilling as her personal one, having served as a Database Specialist in the Insurance Industry at Safety Insurance, and later as an e-Builder Specialist at Avicado, where she contributed significantly to major transit projects for the MBTA and Southestern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, Maryland National Parks Program, Stellar Energy and Duke University among others.  Inbetween these two phases of her career was a 15-year stint at Healthwise of Walpole, who became like a second family to her - a deliberate choice that afforded her the flexibility and precious time to raise her children.  

Trish's interests painted the picture of a life well-lived. Whether biking on rail trails or savoring a local beer after a ride, she embraced the simple pleasures with gusto. Among her favorite activities were frequent walks in the woods on the local trails in and near her home town of Walpole.  Summers on Cape Cod were a staple, filled with beach days at Kingsbury Beach, and the beaches along the National Seashore, biking adventures in Nickerson State Park, and excursions to Provincetown. Her love for travel and music was shared with Rudy, and together they enjoyed live performances, including songs Rudy penned for her, like the heartfelt "Bayside Morning Blues."

Her commitment to community was evident through her support of Rudy's volunteer work with the Mass Arts Center in Mansfield and her involvement with the Walpole Preservation Alliance. Trish's vibrant spirit shone brightly during events like the Mass Arts Center Gala, where she surprised Rudy by spontaneously entering a live auction bidding war to win a trip to Ireland.  The result was a trip of a lifetime that encapsulated their shared love of adventure.

Trish's legacy is one of love, humor, intelligence and adventure. Her life was a testament to the power of living fully and loving deeply. She will be remembered for her unwavering support of her family, being a great friend to many, her dedication to her work, and her joyous embrace of life's every moment. Trish's memory will forever be a beacon of light for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Trish was the cherished daughter of the late Kenneth and Kay (Kohles) McMullen. She was a loving sister to Greg McMullen and his partner Steven Sandoval of New York City, Linda McGregor and her husband Scott of Council Bluffs, and she held dear the memory of her late brother Mark McMullen and his late wife Mary Ellen. Her nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a wide circle of friends also survive Trish, all of whom benefited from her boundless love and support.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Trish Barajas to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via dana-farber.org/gift.

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