Barbara (Hilderbrandt) Markey, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 15, 2018. Born on September 29, 1930 to Frances and Walter Hilderbrandt, she was raised in Lawrence, MA with her sister Anna. On Nov. 10, 1956, Barbara married Phil Markey and together they raised their two treasured sons, Phil and Glen. She was dedicated to her children and family.
Barbara worked at the Andover Companies as a secretary for over 20 years where she made many lifelong friendships. Barbara loved the summer season and spent many years on Plum Island Beach with family and friends. She was the matriarch of the infamous 4th of July party at the family home in Andover. Later in her life, Barbara enjoyed reading on her porch across the street from the park, playing Bingo, working on puzzles and word searches.
She was an amazing grandmother, who never visited without her famous peanut butter cookies or a box of munchkins. The countless trips to Friendly’s will always be remembered. She had a special place in her heart for each of her grandchildren and was an icon at gymnastics competitions, dance recitals, football, basketball and hockey games. Most recently, Barbara’s pride and joy were her three great grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by her son Phil and daughter-in-law Elaine of Salem, NH, son Glen and daughter-in-law Angela of Newburyport, MA, granddaughter Courtney Markey and Kevin Lee of Wilmington, MA, granddaughter Heather and her husband Ross Waniga of Hampstead, NH, grandsons PJ Markey and long-time girlfriend Shannon Cordeiro of Salem, NH, and Garret and Trent Markey of Newburyport, MA. Barbara was the proud great grandmother of Hadleigh and Hunter Waniga and Kaiya Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband Phil and sister Anna.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 4 PM to 7 Pm at the Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. A funeral Mass will be on Friday, March 23 at 10:30 AM in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St. Andover, MA. Burial will be in St. Augustine Cemetery, Andover, MA.
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