Barbara A. Durling

Barbara Anne (Thompson) Durling, 87, formerly of 2121 Main St., died Thursday, August 1, 2013, in the Golden Living Center, Fitchburg, after an illness. She leaves two sons: John R. Durling and his wife, Doneen, of Winchendon, and Gerrett L. Durling and his wife, Judy, of Groton; two daughters: Sheryl Durling of Rutland, and Samantha L. Morgan of Boxborough; 9 grandchildren;5 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Hubert R. "Ray" Durling, Jr., who died in 1993. Two sisters, Constance T. Warwick and Martha H. Bensel, also predeceased her. Barbara was born in Arlington and raised in Lexington, daughter of John Hildreth and Constance C. (Critchenson) Thompson. She was a graduate of Lexington High School, Class of 1943, and Green Mountain College, VT, Class of 1945. In 1966, she and Ray settled in their family's old homestead in Lancaster. For 25 years, she worked as a Secretary at Congregation Agudat Achim, Leominster, retiring in 1995. Barbara was a member of the First Church of Christ Unitarian, Lancaster, and a life-member of both the Mayflower Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over the years, she did volunteer work at Emerson Hospital, the Bedford VA, and the Winchendon Veterans Service Center. She enjoyed cooking, rug braiding, and knitting. An animal lover, she was known for keeping ducks and rabbits. Her greatest joy was spending time with family - especially gathering all four generations around the dinner table on Sundays and holidays. Private funeral service and burial will take place at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the First Church of Christ Unitarian, P.O. Box 194, Lancaster, MA 01523, or to the Lancaster Fire Department, c/o Francine Moody, PO Box 96, Lancaster, MA 01523. McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton, is directing arrangements. To offer condolences, please visit www.mcnallywatson.com.