Virginia Barrett

WESTMINSTER -- Virginia Mildred (Hamlett) Barrett, 76, longtime resident of Westminster at 1 Village Inn Road, died, in her home, on Thursday, Nov. 29, after an illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Virginia Mildred Hamlett on July 19, 1931, in Athol, “Ginny” grew up in Athol and attended public schools there. As a dedicated wife and mother, Virginia served Central Massachusetts as a foster parent to more than 75 children throughout two decades of child rearing through the 1970s. A lifelong animal lover, her fostering ways extended to a variety of cats and kittens, which were always near to her heart. Her efforts as an industrious gardener helped feed many in lean years, and, later, served her as a relaxing hobby. Although a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Virginia did enjoy traveling from memorable moped trips to the beach to the excitement of Foxwoods and Las Vegas. A collector and accomplished craftsperson, Virginia shared her miniature furniture and doll houses with generations of appreciative family and friends. She was a longtime member of the weekly Sewing Circle, which fueled her creative and social nature. An avid swimmer, she enjoyed spending summers by the pool and hosting regular gatherings at the family homestead.

Virginia is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Loring “Gene” Barrett of Westminster; daughter, Wendy Barus and husband, Jeff, of Gardner; son, Steven Guyer and wife, Debbie, of Lunenburg; daughter, Shelly Guyer of Westminster; daughter, Sharon Keefe and husband, Brian, of Westminster; son, David Barrett and wife, Patti, of Leominster; son, Loring “Larry” Barrett and wife, Unis, of Hubbardston; son, Michael Barrett of Boston; and grandchildren, Heidi Daigle, Christy White, Kelly Mailloux, Justin Guyer, Jessi Schlesinger, Bruce Baczewski, Lincoln Keefe, Andrea Keefe, Declan Keefe, Jason Barrett and Brianna Barrett; sister, Barbara Buckman of Westminster; sisters, Barbara Towle and Valerie Hamlett; brothers, Chuck Hamlett, Dean Sturlevant and Vaughan Hamlett. She is further survived by seven great-grandchildren and an extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Vernon Hamlett and Hattie Berry; as well as her son, Bruce Guyer.

BARRETT -- Calling hours will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 3-6 p.m. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net, 123 Main St. A private graveside service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main St., Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760, or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.