Barbara A. (Wilder) Gardner

BOYLSTON - Barbara A. (Wilder) Gardner, 93, of Boylston, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

Her beloved husband, Thomas A. Gardner, Sr. died in 1994. She leaves her son Thomas Gardner, Jr. and wife, Dale of Grafton; daughter Elizabeth (Gardner) Beckner and husband, Rick Serafino of Tyngsboro; sister-in-law Naureen Buck of Louisiana, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was born in Sterling, the daughter of Fred and Bertha (Valley) Wilder. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Tom, for 43 wonderful years. They raised their family in Princeton where they lived for many years. Together they loved to travel and spent several summers in Newfoundland and New Brunswick camping with friends. Tom would fly fish and Barbara would enjoy being outdoors relaxing with friends and wait for the salmon to come in.

Barbara spent a good deal of her life doing what she loved, caring for others. Whether it was family, friends or neighbors – someone was always under her loving watch. She held positions at local nursing homes over the years, and also worked as a Postmaster assistant for the East Princeton post office.

Barbara was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. In her earlier years she loved hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. She would set the most beautiful tables! In recent years, she was always the center of attention at family gatherings as she was cherished by everyone.

As Barbara’s ability to live independently decreased, she was able to remain in her home thanks to some wonderful, caring people who were an enormous part of her life for the last few years. She loved each and every one of them like family, and they all adored her. Her family feels so fortunate to have them as part of our extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara’s family from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, Saturday, March 18th at the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 am. Burial will be held at a later date. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please the "Tribute Wall" on this page.