Barbara Lou Durgin

Barbara Durgin — a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and wife — passed away peacefully on September 22nd after a long and courageous battle with illness. She faced her challenges with strength and grace, driven by her deep love for her family and desire for more time together.

Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, in 1944, Barbara was the daughter of George and Evelyn Beauly and the beloved sister of Jeanne (Lapin) and Carole (Steenbeke). She was raised on Sunnyside Farm in Salisbury, where she embraced the values of hard work, dedication, and family — values that would shape her life.

Barbara graduated from Franklin High School in 1962, and during those formative years, she met her future husband, Kent Durgin. They married in 1967 and spent time living in California while Kent was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. They later returned to New Hampshire and, in 1972, purchased the home where Barbara would live for more than 50 years — until 2024.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked in many roles — as a secretary, dental assistant, bookkeeper, and most memorably, as part of the food service team for the Merrimack Valley School District. But of all her roles, the one she cherished most was being a mother and grandmother. Her family was her world. She often said, “Family is the most important thing,” and she showed that every single day. The Christmas season was her favorite — a time she could spend all day surrounded by those she loved most.

Barbara will be remembered for her strength of spirit, her wit, her warmth, and her unwavering kindness. Her friendly, light-hearted nature made her beloved by all who knew her. She was, and will always be, described as sweet, strong, and deeply caring.

She was treasured in life and will be treasured in memory for all our days.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, George and Evelyn; her husband, Kent; and her sister, Carole. She is survived by her sons, Michael (and his wife, Danielle) and Jeffrey; her cherished grandchildren, Brie and KJ; her sister, Jeanne; as well as her nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 172 King Street, Boscawen, NH. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/. 

Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Payson Center for Cancer Care, where she received care for many years.