Westborough – In the early morning hours of February 1, 2024, Barbara Mae Barnes (born Barbara King) passed away surrounded by loved ones in her family home of more than 60 years in Westborough, MA.
Born July 21, 1936, as the fourth of seven children, Barbara is survived by sisters Priscilla Malo, Sandra Bianco and brother Richard E. King Jr. Barbara was met in heaven by predeceased siblings Fredrick King, Beverly Johnson, and Muriel Ayres, as well as parents Richard E. King and Dorothy Bodge King.
Although Barbara was born into a large family, she forged her own path ahead, creating and nurturing relationships along the way. She married twice, first to Walter Aldrich Jr. and then to Robert Barnes, both of whom has passed.
From those marriages Barbara was blessed with four biological children and many bonus children, all of whom are grieving the loss of a wise and compassionate soul. She is survived by her children, Deborah Waska and husband Dave of Appleton ME, Suzanne Rupard, Walter W. Aldrich III, Robert Barnes, and wife Linda all of Westborough, MA.
Barbara is also missed by bonus children: Roger Barnes and wife Virginia of Westborough, MA, Ronald Barnes and wife Carol of West Boylston, MA, and reunited in afterlife by Judy Barnes of Webster, MA.
Barbara was the wise and compassionate matriarch of a family which includes 19 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren. It is a testament to her thoughtfulness that she never missed the opportunity to send out a birthday card, graduation card or any other special occasion. She will be sorely missed and if she were here would look at us and say, “today is today and we’re getting through it”.
Barbara was born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury and North Grafton. She attended David Hale Fanning High School for girls, graduating in 1955. She worked as a waitress as well as in retail and sales. For 25 plus years she worked as a head cook at Westborough State Hospital where she later retired.
However, the work that was closest to Barbara’s heart was that which no payment was necessary. She lived a life of service, spending over 50 years volunteering in her community. She was a regular fixture at the Westborough Senior Center, Women’s Auxiliary Club, and Order of the Eastern Star. She belonged to the Friends of Westborough and truly was a friend to all.
Barbara was always quick with a joke and could make anybody feel welcome and loved. She leaves behind a hole in her family and community.
Her funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 6, at 10:00 A.M. in the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St. Westborough. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westborough. All are welcome but “only if you want to”. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers we ask donations to be made to Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, MA.
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
