Barbara R. Eldredge

Barbara R. (Bennett) Eldredge, 83, of West Boylston formerly of Coburn Ave., Worcester, passed away Thursday, October 22nd 2009 in St. Vincent Hospital with her family by her side.

Barbara was born in Worcester, the daughter of Edgar R. and Irene G. (Flynn) Bennett. She graduated from Ascension School and Worcester Girls Trade. She met and married her husband of the next 53 years, Robert A. Eldredge who passed away in 1998. Together they raised their two sons and lived in Worcester before she moved to West Boylston.

Barbara is survived by her a son, Worcester Police Officer Robert J. Eldredge and his wife Carmen with whom she lived; her six grandchildren, Natalya and Gabriella Eldredge of West Boylston, Deborah Shallow and her husband Kurt of Auburn, Robert Eldredge, Jr. of Barre, James Eldredge, Jr. of Dennis, and Jennifer Eldredge in Missouri; two great grandchildren, Casey and Cody Shallow; her brother, William Bennett and his wife Claire of Worcester; a sister, Irene Gibbons and her husband James of East Dennis; many nieces, nephews and friends including her dear friends Kathy and Charles Gruszka. Her son, James Eldredge, two brothers, Edgar and Larry Bennett, and three sisters, Gloria Vitaris, June Sutton and Marion Collins all pre deceased her.

Barbara worked more than 31 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse for Doctors Hospital before retiring in 1993.

She was a member of St. Anne Church. A member of the former St. Margaret Mary Church. She was a simple Irish lady who enjoyed her family, being with friends and the simple things of life.

Barbara's funeral will be held Monday, October 26th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow next to her husband in St. John Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Sunday, October 25th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations can be made to: The Christopher House, 10 Mary Scano Drive, Worcester, MA 01605 or The Friendly House, 36 Wall Street, Worcester, MA 01604.