ADAMS, Mass. —  

Mrs. Barbara (Doherty) Bennett, 86, of Adams, died Friday afternoon, August 21, 2026 at Berkshire Medical Center.

She was born in Adams on January 5, 1940, daughter of the late John and Malvina (Mayotte) Doherty. She attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams Memorial High School with the Class of 1957.

Barbara worked for the Town of Adams as a clerk in the Town Clerk’s office for many years, in both the former and new Town Halls, until retiring. Earlier, she had worked for Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency, Dr. Philip W. Mayo, MD, and New England Telephone, all in Adams.

She was a communicant of St. John Paul II Parish at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. She was a member of the St. John Paul II Rosary Sodality, the Adams Council on Aging, and was an Adams Town Meeting member for many years. She served on the Board of Directors of the Adams Agricultural Fair and was a faithful participant of the former parish Adoration Chapel.

Barbara enjoyed traveling, and while in Europe visited many of the famous religious shrines in several countries.

Her husband, Bruce P. Bennett, whom she married on June 7, 1958, died on February 12, 1999.

She is survived by three daughters, Susan Rowe and her husband Chuck of Tuscaloosa, AL, Karen Kruszyna and her husband Mike of Cheshire, and Wendy Bennett and her husband Shaun Duquette of Adams; three grandchildren, Meredith Jierski and her husband Corey, Amanda Kruszyna and Olivia Sobon; three great grandchildren, Emma Jierski, Carson Jierski and Ayva Kruszyna; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her longtime companion, James Hoellerich.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 29th at 10:00 AM in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. A calling hour will be held on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the Liturgy at 10:00 AM IN THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elder Services of Berkshire County, 73 South Church St. Pittsfield, MA 01201, or to St. Stanislaus School, 108 Summer St. Adams, MA 01220. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com