Barbara J. Harpin, 92

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Barbara Jeanette (Williams) Harpin, 92 of North Adams, MA died on Saturday June 1, 2024 at Williamstown Commons.

She was born in North Adams, MA on October 9, 1931, a daughter of Charles and Bertha (Magnoli) Williams. A Drury High graduate, Barbara was also a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church and a member of Le Cercle Francais.

Barbara’s life journey consisted of being a homemaker, raising her eight children. It was later in life Barbara entered the workforce and became employed by North Adams Regional Hospital where she participated and earned the first certification within the nursing assistant role. Before retiring, Barbara transferred employment to the Willowood Nursing Home in Williamstown as a CNA, providing support and services to those in need. Given her personal experience in this work, Barbara held high standards for how the CNA’s work should be provided, often informing those who cared for her that she was a CNA as well.

During retirement Barbara and her husband traveled and enjoyed many trips taken with their children to Maine, Florida, California, South Carolina, Canada and Hawaii. While Barbara was always ready to pack her bags and take a trip somewhere, taking a long car ride locally also brought her peace and joy. Her greatest pleasure however, was gathering with her family playing games, cards, good conversation, laughter, food, music and dance. She leaves with a rich legacy of life experiences where family values, respect, commitment and traditions were had and will continue in those whose lives were touched by her.

Barbara was the widow of Donat “George” Harpin who died on December 30, 2023. They were married on August 11, 1951. Survivors include five daughters including Michele (Dennis) Biron of Adams, MA; Donna (Joseph) Maruco of North Adams, MA; Sharon Pessolano of Stamford, VT; JoAnne (John) Sampson of York, ME and Laurie (Peter) Lamarre of North Adams, MA and three sons, David (Ann) Harpin of Carolina Beach, NC; Steven Harpin of Durham, NH and Gregory (Jennifer) Harpin of Waterboro, ME. She also leaves 17 Grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Sonya Maruco and her brother, Robert Williams.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Barbara Harpin will be celebrated Thursday June 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA are Thursday from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the AYJ Fund or PopCares in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com