Obituary of Marybeth Barkhouse

Marybeth (Foley) Barkhouse, a woman whose devotion to her family and friends knew no bounds, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, with her loved ones by her side. She was 89 years old.

Marybeth was born and raised in Pepperell, Massachusetts, the daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth Foley. Her childhood home, one of the oldest in the town, was nearly 300 years old and rich in history, dating back to the Salem Witch Trials. It was even featured in Reader’s Digest.  She was a graduate of Pepperell High School.

It was through her brother that Marybeth met her future husband, Ernest Barkhouse, on a double date. Their romance blossomed, and they were married on May 7, 1955. They began their life together in Watertown before settling in Burlington, where they created their forever home in 1962.

Marybeth had a long and fulfilling career as a Unit Secretary at Choate Hospital, where she worked for decades. When Choate closed its doors, she continued her work at Symmes Hospital and Winchester Hospital. Her role was to help keep everything in order behind the scenes—writing up medical orders and maintaining continuity so doctors and nurses could focus more on their patients. Her wealth of experience meant there weren’t many doctors she didn’t know personally. She loved her job, her coworkers, and the healthcare professionals she worked alongside.

Marybeth and Ernie made an incredible team, each complementing the other perfectly. While Ernie was more laid-back and a planner, Marybeth was outgoing and adventurous. When their sons, Michael and Carl, were young, the family spent summers on Cape Cod. In 1972, they purchased their dream vacation home in Franklin, New Hampshire, with a breathtaking view of Webster Lake. What started as a simple camp grew into a warm, welcoming home where they enjoyed boating, swimming, and all the joys that came with life on the lake.

Marybeth loved her lake neighbors and cherished their time together, especially during happy hours with pina coladas, boat parades, fireworks, and holiday celebrations. She had a gift for conversation and easily made friends. In their free time, Marybeth and Ernie loved visiting yard sales and flea markets all over New Hampshire. Marybeth had an eye for beautiful, hidden treasures, and it was Ernie’s job to keep her in check when their finds piled up. As her mobility became more challenging, Ernie and their sons would help her onto their pontoon boat, and it brought them all great joy to see her and Ernie cruising around the lake. The four months they spent each year at the lake home were their happiest, and it was a place that meant the world to them both.

Marybeth was a woman of kindness, generosity, and warmth. She was always there for anyone in need—a helping hand, a ride, or simply someone to listen. She was a loving sister to her brother Lawrence, and she made sure to stay connected with him, visiting his home on Bailey Island in Maine. In their retirement years, Marybeth and Ernie traveled extensively, enjoying cruises and trips, and spent winters in Naples, Florida.

Above all, she was deeply devoted to her sons, Michael and Carl, and their families. She created not just a loving home, but a beautiful, close-knit family filled with love and support. In her final years, when life became more difficult, her children and grandchildren rallied around her to ensure she remained in the home she loved, surrounded by comfort and affection.

Marybeth lived a full and wonderful life, and now, she is reunited with her one true love, Ernie. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and warmth will live on in all who knew her.

Marybeth was the beloved wife of the late Ernest  M. “Ernie” Barkhouse who passed in 2021.  She was the loving mother and mother-in-law of Michael Barkhouse and his wife Melanie of Burlington and Carl Barkhouse & his wife Suzanne of Bedford.  She was the sister of the late Lawrence Foley.  She was the proud and loving Nana to Samantha Greaves and her husband Michael and Nikolas Barkhouse and his companion Madison Brown.  She was the great grandmother of Jacob and Dylan Greaves.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON on Friday, February 21 from 4-7 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22 at 10 a.m.  Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Marybeth’s name may be made to The Webster Lake Association, PO Box 44, Franklin, NH 03235.