Prayer service held for Medford woman found dead in backyard

MEDFORD, Mass. — Lines of people gathered at the Grace Episcopal Church in Medford for a prayer service honoring the life of 61-year-old Barbara Hovey Novaes, who was a longtime member of the congregation.

“We’ve just all been in shock and grief, so this was an opportunity to come together and hold one another,” said Carol Morehead who is the Rector at the church.

Novaes was found dead on Monday, just two hours after her son reported her missing. Her body was discovered inside a recycling bin under her back porch. How that happened and who is responsible is still unknown.

Boston 25 learned that Novaes recently sought a restraining order against her estranged husband but neither showed up in court so it was never issued.

Back at the church Thursday evening, family and friends struggled with her sudden and tragic loss.

“It’s really hard she had a lot of friends here. Her kids grew up in this church,” said Catherine Smith who is the Senior Warden at the church.

People came together to support each other over the loss of a valued member of the congregation who will forever be missed.

“We have a lot of questions and even if we had all the answers it wouldn’t give us what we really want and that’s another conversation with Barbara,” said Rector Morehead.

It could take weeks to complete the autopsy. Police say their investigation continues.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group