Virginia Mildred (Hamlet) Barrett, 76
Was dedicated to caring for others

WESTMINSTER - Virginia Mildred (Hamlett) Barrett, 76, long-time resident of 1 Village Inn Road, died in her home Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, after an illness, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 19, 1931, in Athol and grew up in Athol and attended public schools there. As a dedicated wife and mother, Virginia served Central Massachusetts as a foster parent to more than 75 children over two decades of childrearing. A life-long animal lover, her fostering ways extended to a variety of cats and kittens, which were always near to her heart. Her efforts as an industrious gardener helped feed many in lean years, and later served her as a relaxing hobby. Although a life-long resident of Massachusetts, Virginia did enjoy traveling from memorable moped trips to the beach to the excitement of Foxwoods and Los Vegas. A collector and accomplished craftsperson, Virginia shared her miniature furniture and dollhouses with generations of appreciative family and friends. She was a long-time member of the weekly Sewing Circle, which fueled her creative and social nature. An avid swimmer, she enjoyed spending summers by the pool and hosting regular gatherings at the family homestead.

Virginia is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Loring "Gene" Barrett of Westminster; daughter, Wendy Barus and husband, Jeff of Gardner; son Steven Guyer and wife, Debbie of Lunenburg; daughter, Shelly Guyer of Westminster; daughter, Sharon Keefe and husband, Brian of Westminster; son, David Barrett and wife, Patti of Leominster: son, Loring "Larry" Barrett and wife, Unis of Hubbardston; son, Michael Barrett of Boston; and grandchildren, Heidi Daigle, Christy White, Kelly Mailloux, Justin Guyer, Jessi Schlesinger, Bruce Baczewski, Lincoln Keefe, Andrea Keefe, Declan Keefe, Jason Barrett, and Brianna Barrett; three sisters, Barbara Buckman of Westminster, Barbara Towle and Valerie Hamlett; three brothers, Chuck Hamlett, Dean Sturlevant, and Vaughan Hamlett; seven great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Vernon Hamlett and Hattie Berry, as well as her son, Bruce Guyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760 or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.

Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes directed arrangements.