Barbara Hetrick

Barbara (Organek) Hetrick, beloved mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away peacefully at her home in West Hartford on Sunday September 24th 2023, just 4 days after celebrating her 90th birthday. Barbara was born on September 20, 1933 in Middletown, CT to the late Joseph Organek and Josephine (Jagoda) Organek. A devoted Catholic, Barbara volunteered much of her time to the Church. Barbara was a member of the Mary Heart Crusaders of Meriden and Saint Mary’s Guild of Portland. She was passionate in her faith and her belief in God. Barbara truly believed that everything happens for a reason and there are no coincidences. Barbara was a very active participant in the Xavier community. She assisted in cosponsoring many events while her sons were enrolled there. Barbara is survived by her loving brother William Organek (Christine), son James Hetrick III (Carol) and daughter in law Collen Hetrick She is predeceased by her sons Terrence and Christopher, her former husband James O. Hetrick Jr. and her brothers Ronald (Carol) and Joseph Organek. Barbara’s legacy also extends to her cherished grandchildren; Erin McGrath, Scott Hetrick, Jennifer Marshall, Rebecca Hetrick, Jessica Garvin, Benjamin Hetrick, Molly Klansek and Grace Hetrick. She also leaves behind many great-grand-children, nieces and nephews. Barbara loved the outdoors. She loved to walk around Hubbard Park or Elizabeth Park and see all the beautiful flowers in the Spring time. Barbara was a member of Portland’s Garden Club and The Women’s Circle and she would often host events for these groups at her home. She was very artistic and loved to paint murals throughout the walls of her home. Barbara spent many summers on the Connecticut shore in Old Lyme Connecticut at Hawk’s Nest Beach with her family and friends which soon become an ongoing summer tradition in her family. The family would like to thank The McCauley for their endless support and for always making Barbara smile and laugh. Barbara lived at the McCauley for the past 11 years and she truly enjoyed spending time with the residents and staff at the McCauley and participating in the activities and celebrations amongst the community. The family is extremely grateful for the love and kindness that was provided to Barbara while she was a member of their family. If Barbara could bid us her farewell she would say, “I love you my angel, God Bless you 10,000 times over.” Friends and Family are invited to a Christian Burial Mass on Tuesday October 3, 2023 at St. Mary’s Parish on 51 Freestone Ave in Portland at 10am followed by burial at the Swedish Cemetery on 184 William Street in Portland.

Barbara Hetrick

September 24, 2023