Barbara Jean Hatch (65) of South Hadley, passed away suddenly on August 10, 2022. Barbara was born in Holyoke to Margaret and Wilfred Hatch on March 30, 1957.

With Barbara's passing, the world is a much dimmer place. Her sunny and ever kind disposition brought smiles to all she met. From an early age, Barbara met any challenge facing her with strength and determination, and championed for others with similar needs. Barbara's example of courage and independence is remarkable. She was a lifelong and proud South Hadley resident. Barbara was a member of the former South Hadley Falls Congregational Church and a current member of The First Congregational Church of South Hadley Center. She loved serving as a cheerful greeter whenever she was needed.

Barbara was an active participant in the South Hadley Council on Aging where she received the Meritorious Service Award from the State of Massachusetts for her Volunteer Food Service Work. Barbara was active in the COA knitting group and travel club where her favorite bus trips were to musical theaters. Prior to these activities that brought her so much joy, Barbara worked for many years as a Teacher's Helper at the Springfield Day Nursery, a role that was perfectly suited to her disposition as a nurturing care-giver to pre-school children.

Barbara Jean is survived by two sisters, Carol Hatch Ludlam (Bill) of Portland, OR and Elizabeth Hatch Cincotta (Al) of Westfield, MA and three very precious nephews, Will Ludlam (Robin) of Kirkland, WA, Todd Cincotta (Jessica) of West Springfield, MA, and Craig Cincotta (Melissa) of Bothell, WA. The light of her life were her one great nephew and five great nieces, Ethan Ludlam of San Francisco, CA, Tatum Ludlam of New York, NY, Eliza Ludlam of Kirkland, WA, Lauren Cincotta, Julia Cincotta, and Ava Cincotta all of West Springfield, MA. She delighted in watching them grow and rejoiced with each of their successes. Barbara loved her role as Auntie!

Her family and friends will miss her always on-time birthday cards and special calls where she would sing Happy Birthday! Barbara Jean enjoyed being called by her full name and cherished her maternal Scottish heritage. We will miss you, Barbara Jean, and you will be in our hearts forever.

Calling hours will be held for Barbara on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home.  The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 am at O'Brien Family Funeral Home with a Funeral service at First Congregational Church of South Hadley at 10 am. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 1 Church St Ste 1, South Hadley, MA 01075 or the S. Hadley Council on Aging, 45 Dayton St . S. Hadley, MA 01075