LEICESTER; Barbara A. (Beford) Lamarche, 85, formerly of Cherry Valley, a section of Leicester, died Monday, December 18 at Knollwood Nursing Center in West Boylston. Born in Worcester on Dec. 22, 1931, she was the daughter of Charles A. & Aurora (Bernier) Beford.
Barbara was a graduate of Auburn High School. She was a bookkeeper for many years at Rice Barton Corp. in Worcester. As a member of St. Joseph/St. Pius X Parish, she was active in the St. Joseph's Sodality, the Couples Club and assisted in coordinating Pre-Cana.
She was the wife of Gaston A. Lamarche who died in 2006. She leaves three sons; Charles H. Lamarche, Sr. and his wife Judith of Worcester, Stephen A. Lamarche and his husband Tim Swanson of St. Petersburg, FL., Philip J. Lamarche and his wife Julie of Leominster, grandchildren; Charles Lamarche, Jr., Kristina Broskey, Andrew Lamarche, Ryanne Keller, Misty Swanson-Sykes, Amanda Swanson-Reeves, Medina Swanson, Mark Fantasia and Stacy Wilkes, great-grandchildren, Jay, Lilyana, Tyler, Adalyn, Franklin, Tatum, Autumn, Michael, Mia, Ana and Andrew, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Robert Beford.
Barbara enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and caring for her plants. Faith and family came first to mom. May her strength, sunny smiles, joy of living, generosity of heart, love of family and friends be the gift we give each other in her memory. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her boys and tireless caregiver to Gus for many years.
Barbara's family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff of Knollwood Nursing Center for their unending love and care for our beautiful mother.
Her funeral will be held on her birthday, Friday, December 22 with a Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. There are no calling hours. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th. Ave., Waltham, MA 02451. americanheart.org
MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is directing arrangements for the family.