BERLIN

The Krackhardt Family share the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother, Barbara Krackhardt.

Barbara H. Krackhardt, 98, passed away on July 10, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Clarence and Lois Hatch. After graduating from Western Reserve University, she married Russell Krackhardt of Berlin, MA, where they spent their lives. Her two passions were music and teaching children.

She was the first kindergarten teacher in Berlin, and taught first grade for more than 30 years including 20+ years in Northborough, MA at both the Peaslee Elementary School and Lincoln Street School. During her tenure in Northborough, she won the Teacher of the Year award. She was the choir director for the First Parish Church in Berlin for 50 years. She took over as director of the senior choir at the young age of 24, and started both a children's choir for elementary children and a junior choir for teenagers. In addition, she produced and directed many variety shows to raise money for various local causes, pulling in talent from Berlin and the surrounding community.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Lynne Wells of Concord, NH, her 3 children, David Krackhardt (with wife Sharon) of Pittsburgh, PA, Beth McLaughry (with husband Richard) of Needham, MA, and Wendy Rogalinski (with husband Stan) of Berlin, MA, as well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all for her boundless love and laughter.

There will be a memorial service for Barbara on September 10, at 1:00 in the afternoon, at the First Parish Church, 24 Central St, Berlin, MA.

Family and friends have started a Memorial Fund to build a pavilion in Berlin dedicated to Barbara; a place for children to gather, and music to be played and heard. To donate to the memorial fund, send checks to Barbara Krackhardt Memorial Fund, Clinton Savings Bank, 35 Central Street, Berlin, MA 01503, or Venmo a donation to https://venmo.com/Barbara_K_Memorial .

To leave a condolence , please visit Hays Funeral Home at www.haysfuneralhome.com. Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough has assisted the Krackhardt family with arrangements.