Barbara (Bonner) Harrington

Barbara Bonner Harrington, 76, formerly of Worcester, Mass, passed away on April 4, 2023 after an extended illness.

Barbara was born on May 20, 1946 to John Bonner and Anna Donovan in San Diego, California. Subsequently she moved to Holbrook, Massachusetts. After Barbara graduated from Archbishop Williams High School, she initially attended the University of New Hampshire, then graduated from Boston University. She also attended Framingham State University with a focus on Home Economics.
She began her first job with Pan American Airlines which provided her the opportunity to travel to England, Italy, Switzerland, France, Greece and Egypt. Years later she traveled to her beloved Ireland to meet distant cousins.
In 1969, Barbara married her now former husband Joe Harrington. Their son, James Harrington was the center of their life. Trips to Disney World were an annual event for several years.

Barbara’s other work experiences included managing a Montgomery Ward franchise, driving a school bus, teaching high school home economics, and opening up a craft store in the Northborough Town Hall. During the Mitt Romney years as governor, she was the former Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)and helped the pass legislation in support of public safety.

Barbara was predeceased by her father, John Bonner, her mother, Ann (Donovan) Ford and step-father, John Ford. She is survived by her son James and her brothers John and his wife Patricia, Steven and his deceased wife Patricia, David and his deceased wife Janet, and Glenn. Barbara also has several nephews and nieces. She also enjoyed close friendships with Sylvia and Doug Stepien and Janet and Peter Robash.

Services will be held at Hurley Funeral Home, 127 South Franklin St, Holbrook, MA on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 between 4 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests tribute donations be made to Alzheimer’s Organization (act.alz.org).

A private burial will be held at Union Cemetery, Holbrook, MA.

Guestbook


First Name: Sylvia
Last Name: Stepien
City: Charlton
State: MA
Country: U.S.
Entry Date: 04/11/2023

Dear Jamie, John, Steven, David, Glenn, Joe and family~

Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a good mom, family member, and friend. She was dear to us, always kind, helpful, and caring toward Sarah, Lee, Cason, Doug and me. We have wonderful memories of our times together, especially of Barbara playing with Cason so many days when he was little. She accomplished a great deal in her various careers, some depicted in the messages I have received on Facebook from friends and quite a few students, some saying she was their favorite high school teacher. So nice to know that this lovely lady was appreciated for all she did! Our thoughts are with you as we all say goodbye to Barbara.

With deepest sympathy,
Sylvia Stepien


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