Hartnett, Barbara M.

Barbara M. Hartnett, 88, of Westford, formerly of Carver and Canton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born and grew up in Fall River. She was the daughter of the late Leroy and Mary (Blanche) (Fennelly) Mills. She graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Fall River in 1955. She met her husband, Donald, there, moved to Canton and raised her three children. Their marriage lasted 22 years, and Donald passed in 1992.

Barbara dedicated over 30 years of her professional life to Draper Brothers/Tamfelt, where she served as a respected human resources manager. She was known for her commitment to her colleagues, and her steady, supportive presence in the workplace.

Barbara enjoyed watching the Red Sox, sewing, and crafting — including many Halloween costumes for her grandchildren over the years. Her favorite times were sitting in the sun with friends and family at Horseneck Beach.

She met her late-life partner, Paul Boyer, in 2011 and they enjoyed a life together in Carver until his passing in 2018. She was predeceased by her daughter Sheila Nicolini in 2017, her sister, Marilyn Timmons, and her brother, Roy (Buzzy) Mills.

She leaves behind two devoted sons: Thomas Hartnett and his wife, Debbie, of Westford, and Daniel Hartnett and his wife, Christine, of Canton. She was the cherished Gram/Grammy to six grandchildren: Carly, Lauren, Meghan, Daniel, Kaylee, and Andrew.

Funeral services and a celebration of Barbara’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Nov 20 2025. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.