Barbara E. Harkness

1937 - 2022

Barbara E. Harkness

Epsom, NH — Barbara Ellen Harkness of Epsom NH, died peacefully after a brief bout of pneumonia with family members at her side on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Concord Hospital.

Barbara was born, September 26, 1937 in New Haven, CT. She was the daughter of Swedish immigrants Abel Sigfried Leavstrom and Ellen Virginia Wahlstrom-Leavstrom. She was the youngest of five, though she was often found taking care of others. Although the family home that was built by her father was small for the size of her family; it was filled with love and compassion. Her family has close ties to her family in Sweden as her father was a first-generation immigrant and her mother was a second-generation immigrant. Without realizing, she grew up next door to her soon to be lover's great uncle. She graduated as an honor student from East Haven High School where she was a lead soprano in the school chorus. Barbara worked for the State of NH in many positions until retirement. She was proud of her work with the Department of Justice and was awarded a plaque of recognition from the FBI.

She and her husband Harvey, of nearly 62 years bought their dream home in Epsom in 1966. Together they spent the next 56 years tirelessly updating the home and working the land and turning the property into what they envisioned it could be.

Barbara was an avid reader, loved gardening, watching the birds at her bird feeders, and was in fact a lover of all animals. She loved to sing classical, musical theatre and sang for the church choir at New Rye Congregational Church. She also sang for many years in the Suncook Valley Chorale, the Joyful Blend, variety shows in Epsom, and the Messiah in Concord during Christmas time. Barbara and Harvey loved to go see various performances, their favorite being at the Ogunquit Theatre in Maine. Barbara and Harvey were lifelong learners, they went on various trips to learn about world history, cultural diversity and overall knowledge. Of all of their trips, Barbara's favorite was their trip to Sweden where she got to meet her family and explore her family history at first hand. Their last trip to Florida was one they cherished and often told of all the sights they got to see and experiences they had together.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Carl E. Leavstrom, Norman F. Leavstrom, Gerald S. Leavstrom and a sister Ruth V. Leavstrom.

She leaves behind her husband, Harvey F. Harkness Jr., sons; Tim Harkness of Lakeland Florida, Jon Harkness and his wife Carol of Chichester, her grandchildren, Sarah Harkness of Chichester and Jack Harkness of Cleveland Ohio along with many nephews & nieces.

She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be sorely missed by all.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 11AM at New Rye Congregational Church on New Rye Road in Epsom. At the request of the family masks are encouraged but not required. Interment will follow at New Rye Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to New Rye Congregational Church, PO Box 217, Epsom, NH 03234. The Roan Family Funeral Home – Still Oaks Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com