Barbara M. Duchemin, 66, of Haverhill, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen.
She was born in Little Falls, Minn., Dec. 3, 1951, daughter of the late Louis and Doreen (Adamski) Zilka. Duchemin served for a brief period of time in the U.S. Army before settling in Haverhill and starting a family with her late husband, Joseph T. Duchemin. She worked many years at Vernon Plastics in Ward Hill, where she would often share many fond memories of. She was an avid reader, enjoyed rides to the nearby beaches and taking trips up to the White Mountains. She also loved to reminisce and tell stories about her days of growing up on her family’s farm. She played a vital role of raising three of her grandson’s: Christopher and Dylan as well as Andrew’s early years.
She is survived by her children, Robert J. Duchemin of Fall River, Chad J. and his wife Jennifer Duchemin of Bradford, and Catherine J. Plunkett and her husband Robert of Goffstown, N.H.; siblings, Lawrence “Butch” (Carolina) Zilka of Moxee, Wash., Daniel (Rhonda) Zilka of Randall, Minn., Bernadine Leikvoll of Little Falls, Minn., Anita (Jim) Eggerth of Grey Eagle, Minn., and, Janet Mudge of Bemidji, Minn.; grandchildren, Christopher and Dylan Nowell, Katie Plunkett, Logan, Andrew and Ryan Duchemin. She also leaves behind former son-in-law, Charles Nowell of Haverhill, whom she remained very close with.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 4-4:45 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill, followed by a memorial service at 5 at the funeral home. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611. (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org)