Dorothy Harkins

Dorothy Harkins obituary, West Brookfield, MA

Dorothy Harkins

Upcoming Events

Sep

25

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

43 E Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585

Send Flowers

Sep

25

Graveside service

11:30 a.m.

Brookfield Cemetery

43 West Main Street, Brookfield, MA 01506

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Varnum Funeral Home

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

Dorothy Harkins Obituary

Visit the Varnum Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Brookfield – Dorothy “Dot” Harkins, 87, of Brookfield, died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at home with her family with her.

She leaves her sons, Ronald D. Dion and Ricky M. Harkins of Brookfield, as well as her daughter, Bonnie Ann Harkins. She also leaves four grandchildren, Brian Dion, Kimberly Glidden, Matthew Donais, and Amber Harkins, and 5 great-grandchildren, Olivia McIntyre, Sophia Glidden, Aidyn Donais, Leah Donais, and Jase Royer. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph C. Harkins in 1998, as well as her brother, John Balderelli. She was born in Southbridge, daughter of the late Americo and Jeanette (Gaucher) Balderelli.

As a long-time resident of Brookfield, Dot could often be seen outside her home and enjoyed walking through the town center and around the common. She was a past member of the Quaboag / New Braintree Chapter of the AARP and the VFW Post 3439 in North Brookfield. She was also a member of the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brookfield.

A Calling hour for Dot will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 10 to 11am in the Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield. Following the calling hour, her graveside service and burial will be held in the Brookfield Cemetery at 11:30am.

An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Varnum Funeral Home

43 East Main St. PO Box 1, West Brookfield, MA 01585

Make a Donation
in Dorothy Harkins's name

How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorothy Harkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Sep

25

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

43 E Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585

Send Flowers

Sep

25

Graveside service

11:30 a.m.

Brookfield Cemetery

43 West Main Street, Brookfield, MA 01506

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Varnum Funeral Home

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.