Barbara Jean (LaBrecque) Harrington, 94

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MARLBOROUGH – Barbara Jean (LaBrecque) Harrington, 94, a lifelong resident of Marlborough was called Home on April 21, 2022, surrounded by her family. 

The daughter of the late Henry J. and Marguerite L. (Gaboury) La Brecque, Barbara was married to Paul V. Harrington for 65 years.  She is predeceased by her husband, her son, Paul, siblings, Henry and Robert LaBrecque, and sister Ann Marie Dupuis.  

Barbara is survived by her children Mary Teixeira of Worcester, Peter Harrington of Shrewsbury, and Francis Harrington of Clinton.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren Angelica, Ashleigh, Amber, Paul, Jessica, Kimberley, and great-grandson Cole, brother-in-law Joseph Dupuis, beloved niece and God daughter, Cheryl and her sister, Donna, along with many other nieces and nephews and dear family friend, Joseph Hanslip. 

Patron Saint of unsolicited, but great advice, quippy remarks, and having perfect pitch.  

Queen of camping, reading a 900-page novel in a single night, and always arriving early for Mass.  

Lover of musicals, lobster rolls, butterflies, and world travel.  

Climber of the Holy Stairs in Jerusalem at the age of 65 and the stairs in the 42nd St. subway station at the age of 91. 

Believer of equal rights for all and renewable energy way back in 1964. 

Survivor of The Great Depression, economic crashes, world wars, and global pandemics.  

The first one of her siblings to arrive and the last one to go home. 

The way she told a story was like nothing else and the way she loved people was even better.  It was a gift and honor to have had an encounter with her, just as she believed it was a gift any time she encountered another person. Tennessee Williams wrote, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”, but Barbara always depended on kindness towards strangers.  

Barbara lived the Gospel. She welcomed strangers, fed the poor, visited the sick, and volunteered in her beloved City of Marlborough.  

Whether she encountered President George H. W. Bush in the fishing department of the Biddeford, ME Walmart, Donald O’Connor on one of her European tours, or an underprivileged person on the streets of New York, Barbara treated everyone with respect and kindness.  She wanted to get to know each person and hear their story.  

Barbara worked at Curtis Shoe, Gould National Battery,  R.H. Long, and at Kennedy’s Pub. 

She sang in the Sweet Adelines, belonged to the Marlborough Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, was a Diamond Avon Lady, and accompanied her husband to many events with the Knights of Columbus.

Barbara’s passion was being surrounded by her family and spending her summers in New Hampshire and later in Maine. 

The family wishes to thank the staff of Dr. Kumar’s office, the Branches of Marlborough, Marlborough Hospital, and Brookhaven Hospice for their wonderful care.  

Calling hours will be Monday, April 25th, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, at 10 a.m.. at her life lifelong parish, The Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect Street, Marlborough.

Memorial donations may be made to the Covenant House, 460 W. 41st St., New York, NY 10036 or to St. Vincent dePaul, c/o the Immaculate Conception Parish Office, 9 Washington Court, Marlborough, MA 01752.

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