Barbara J. Harding, 76, passed on May 26,2025 at home after a 1 1/2-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She lived every day fighting for a longer life.

She was born March 14,1949 at home in Proctorsville Vt. to Arnold and Irene (Hale) Martin. She was their 2nd child first being Wilbur, then after Barbara followed Leo Sr, Ginger and then Helen. She was a graduate of the Towle High School, Newport N.H.

On October 21, 1967, she married the love of her life, James C. Harding. They were married in Newport N.H. With the marriage she gained two stepdaughters, Vicky and Tracey and a year after their marriage she gave birth to their daughter Wendy. They raised their family in Wendell N.H and later settled in Croydon N.H.

Barbara worked at many locations around Newport including Hartford Eichenauer, Encore Shoe and retired from Ruger.

She was a race car fan for many years. Following her husband's races, then her son-in-law Brett's and most recently her grandson James for whom she was one of his greatest supporters.  She could also be found cheering on nephews Keith, Leo Jr, Brian, and Colton and other family and friends. She was a fan of Nascar's Jeff Gordon.

She was a crocheter and made baby blankets for many baby showers. She loved Bingo and most recently played at the VFW in Charlestown, N.H. Barbara also enjoyed the casino and slot machines and would take bus trips to Foxwood with family and friends. She was also an Elvis fan.

Barbara was an excellent cook and baker. Most favorite dishes requested were her homemade donuts, bread pudding and pumpkin rolls. Her grandson Brenden spent an afternoon with her recently learning how to make her homemade donuts, which was quite the highlight for her.  She often made desserts for the races and you would find friends coming to the trailer to see what "goodies" Barbara had made for the week.

Barabara and Jim had a memorial RV trip after her retirement. They traveled around the country visiting friends in Kentucky and Florida, enjoying many attractions on the way. One of the places she looked forward to visiting and enjoyed was Paula Deen's restaurant in Savanna, GA. They also traveled to Yellowstone National Park with their RV enjoying the sights and adventures.  They later bought a winter home in Russell Springs KY. Enjoying the winter with old and new friends. Unfortunately, with the travel restrictions with COVID they decided to move back to be closer to family.

Barbara is predeceased by her father and mother and her sister Ginger (Martin) Shampney. She is survived by her husband James, daughter Wendy Fadden (Brett), stepdaughters Vicky Cooper (David), Tracey Norris (Brent). She had 7 beloved grandchildren: Hillary, Ian, James, Connor, Garrett, Brenden, Jenna and 4 beloved great grandchildren: Myah, Emery, Arya and James.  She is also survived by her brother Wilbur Martin, Leo Martin Sr (Charlotte), and a sister Helen Macedo (Russell) and by many nieces and nephews.

There will be a service at the Croydon Flat Church, 29 Croydon Tpke Rd., Croydon, NH on June 22, 2025 at 3 pm followed by a celebration of life at the Croydon Volunteer Fire station, Rt 10 Croydon, NH.