Barbara "Babs" Allene (Mackey) Harnden

Barbara A. Harnden, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother died peacefully at home on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Born at home in Hyde Park, MA on March 11, 1930, to the late Raymond and Geraldine Mackey, Barbara grew up and attended school in Dedham, MA.  She shared many stories over the years about growing up during the Depression and World War II.  Barbara was proud of her family's connection to Robert Treat Paine, Patriot of the Revolutionary War and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
At 16, Barbara traveled daily by train to Boston for her co-op work program at John Hancock.  She later worked at Liberty Mutual for 8 years.  After raising her family, Barbara returned to the workforce and worked at the Hilsinger Corporation in Plainville for ten years.  She then became the first executive housekeeper and later, banquet hostess, at the former Sheraton/Holiday Inn , Mansfield, until she retired in 1997.
Barbara had a full life.  She enjoyed working in the yard and tending her flowers.  She took painting classes, played the guitar, and wrote poetry and children's stories.  She will be greatly missed.
Barbara is survived by her three children: Cheryl Williams of North Attleboro, MA; Janice Harnden and George Harnden both of Plainville, MA and her dog, Jeep.  She also leaves two brothers: Raymond Mackey of Mansfield, MA and David Mackey of Wareham, MA; one granddaughter, 4 great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel".
The family wants to thank the wonderful staff of Hope Health for their compassion during a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Health and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI  029904 or to any local animal shelter.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200