It is with great sadness we share that Barbara Worden, a well-loved resident of Marshfield for 58 years, passed away peacefully on April 12th after a long illness at the age of 89. She was surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara's caring, thoughtful ways made everyone around her feel valued and cherished. She had a zest for life, and her smile lit up a room whenever she entered. Her fun sense of humor made spending time with her a joy.

She was born and raised in Westfield, MA, graduating from Westfield High School in 1953. Barbara was devoted to her faith and a regular member of the First United Methodist Church as well as their church group throughout high school. She attended secretarial school, learning shorthand and becoming an extremely efficient typist. Barbara's first job was as an executive secretary for the Eastern States Farmers' Exchange which later became known as Agway. While working there, she met her husband, Richard, on a blind date. They were married in 1960.

Barbara had a passion for architecture and was fortunate to be able to design both her houses in West Springfield and Marshfield. After moving to Marshfield, she began working at Marshfield High School from 1977-1983 in the Career Resource Center and then as a secretary in the guidance department from 1984-2005. She relished bonding with the students and helping them.

Sadly, her husband, Richard, passed away in 1984. Barbara showed great fortitude and a positive outlook while raising her two children, Debbie and Steve, on her own.

After retirement, she continued connecting with children through volunteer work in the library at South River Elementary School. She was a member of the Marshfield YMCA for many years and took joy in being artistic. Not only did she appreciate architecture, but she was creative in her many hobbies. She was always busy with painting, upholstery, scrimshaw, and many more. Barbara also enjoyed gardening and was a long-time member of the Wise Gardeners. She took delight in traveling to such places as the Netherlands, Norway, England, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii.  She was delighted when near the ocean. Her favorite pastime was walking the beach with her dogs.

Barbara adored her close friends from Marshfield High School, Joanne, Pat, Ginny, Edie, and Silvia and enjoyed the company of Priscilla as well from her church group days in Westfield.

The true loves in her life were her family, children of all ages, animals, and nature.  She especially enjoyed dogs, specifically poodles. She treasured her furry family members: Tutu, Ruby, and Rosalita.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her late husband, Richard. She was also a loving mother to her two children, Steven and Debbie as well as an affectionate mother-in-law to Rich. She was a doting grandmother to her grandchildren Mike, Jessica, Myles, and Justine and is survived by her great-grandchildren Owen, Abigail, and Calvin.

With sincere appreciation and love we thank Ruthie and Marybeth for the unwavering devotion and impeccable care they gave our mother. We are eternally grateful.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Marshfield Community Christmas, online at: https://www.marshfieldcommunitychristmas.com/ or the MSPCA, online at: https://www.mspca.org/