Barbara Butler

MILLBURY – Barbara L. (Hairyes) Butler, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14th surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara’s husband, Leo R. Butler died on December 24, 1994. They were married in Millbury on May 3, 1952, where they remained their entire lives. She leaves a daughter Donna Butler of Oxford, her sons Philip and wife Gail of Mattawamkeag, ME, Kevin and wife Jenny of Millbury, Donald of Millbury and James and wife Norita of Subic, Philippines. Her grandchildren Amber Rock and husband John, John Lebel and wife Susan, Rachel Simpson and husband Kevin, Jestine Butler and fiance Eduardo Paixao, Jason Butler, Amanda Rivas and husband Sidney, Melissa and significant other Bruce Lopez, Ashley Baribeault and husband Robert, Kayla Butler significant other Edwin Barretto, Bethany Butler, Michelle Bacolcol. Her great grandchildren John, Abbie, Shyleigh, Katelin, Meredith, Eduarda, Nicolette, Zachary, Kylie, Jayden, Alexis, Andrew, Anthony, Alex, Ariana, Ayden, Aubree, Avery, Amos, Kayleb, Aliyanna, Maxwell, Zoe and Pearl. Her great great grandchildren John, Felix and Novalee. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents Elliott and Mary Eva (Menard) Hairyes, her siblings Margret Hairyes, Elliott Hairyes Jr., Clara Burns, granddaughter Rhonda Butler and a great grandson Joshua.

Barbara never bothered to get a driver’s license, not that she ever drove, but her drive and dedication was immense. This was seen in her love of family and of her community. Barbara raised 5 children of her own and then her neighbors’ children by keeping them safe when she took on the role of a crossing guard for 37 years for the Millbury Police Dept. This was a role she had taken on from her mother. A point of pride for Barbara. She kept that badge she was issued her entire life. Her next endeavor was to be part of a team that both started and worked at the Millbury Federated Church’s food pantry. This was part of her life for close to four decades. The goal of the pantry is to assist Millbury residents who are in need. Besides the church’s pantry Barbara also headed up the Care and Nurture Ministry as well as the prayer chain. She rang the Christmas Bells during the Christmas Eve services. If that wasn’t enough in her younger days, she delivered newspapers for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and assisted with her family’s wreath making business.

Barbara’s family would like to give our most heartfelt thank you to the folks at Life Care Center of Auburn for their professionalism, support, dedication, and care throughout this time of Barbara’s and our needs.

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Barbara’s life by gathering for a time of visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22nd in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main Street, Millbury.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, Jan. 23rd at 11 a.m. in the Millbury Federated Church, 20 Main Street, Millbury. Burial will follow in Central Cemetery, Millbury.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Millbury Federated Church c/o Food Pantry, 20 Main St, Millbury, MA 01527.