Barbara J. (Hardigan) McLaren was born in Natick, Massachusetts on April 3, 1933 and died on July 14, 2017 at her beautiful home on Orr’s Island, Maine.

Barbara attended Westwood High School in Westwood, Mass. She was an attractive and popular person and served as president of her senior class. She was a member of the double quartet and also led the marching band as the majorette.

After a year at Colby College she transferred to Katherine Gibbs in Boston where she graduated as an executive secretary. In 1956 she married Parker McLaren and they started their family of sons Todd, Jay, Scott and Lee and daughter Kristen. The family grew too large for their home in Westwood and they moved to Merrimac, Mass. Barb was active in volunteer work and after all the kids were in school she took jobs in programs she believed in. She continued her interest in singing and theatre with performances at Bill Brooks’ Dinner Theater in Amesbury, Mass. She was also a key member of the annual Merrimac variety show and some years she hosted the cast party for the rowdy cast of the above extravaganza.

She was predeceased by son Jay and by her brother Jay Hardigan. She is survived by husband Parker and by sons Todd, Scott, Lee and daughter Kristen as well as several loving daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

A memorial service is being planned for September 9th at 1:00 pm to be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brunswick, Maine. To honor her memory contributions can be made to charities of your choice.