Mary Etta Harrington

1933 - 2023

Mary Etta (North) Harrington passed away March 12, 2023 at Mount Carmel Care Center, surrounded by her family. She was born in Richmond, MA on October 25, 1933, the daughter of Clarence and Lillian (Bishop) North. She was the eldest of four siblings and was raised on Crystal Lake Dairy Farm.

Mary graduated from PHS as Valedictorian in 1951. In her younger years, Mary was a secretary at Berkshire Bank and worked at England Brothers during the Christmas holiday season. She also was an assistant to Leonard Bernstein.

She married her husband, Burton C. Harrington, Sr., on April 2, 1952. They were married for 64 years, before Burt's passing in 2016.

Mary and Burt owned Blue Heaven Turkey Farm and Harrington Construction. They built many homes and spent many winters in Naples, Florida. Their home was always full of family, friends, a brewing coffee pot and a full cookie jar. If you were a grandchild, you could always find the hidden tootsie rolls.

Mary loved spending time with family and was very proud of all of her grandchildren. She loved music and played piano in her younger years. Burt and Mary hosted many gatherings in their barn where musicians played around a campfire. There was often a whiffle ball game in the yard and card games at the kitchen table.

She will be remembered as loving, compassionate and an excellent listener. As she aged, her sense of humor developed and she made us all laugh.

Mrs. Harrington is survived by her five loving children, Burton Harrington, Jr. (Mary), Bill Harrington (Susan), Jeff Harrington Sr., Joe Harrington (Jackie), Kathy Hillman (Bill). A brother, John North, Sr. (Carol). Fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides her husband she was predeceased by her grandson, Joseph Harrington, Jr. in 2016 and a son, Jimmy Harrington in 1957.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Richmond Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Mount Carmel Care Center Employee Fund in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201