Barbara J. (Grendol) Tarkiainen, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Odd Fellows Home of Worcester. Born and raised in Worcester, Barbara was the daughter of Walter and Antoinette (Malkowski) Grendol and lived most of her life in Worcester. Her beloved husband of 48 years, Donald A. Tarkiainen died in 2003.

She was a graduate of Commerce High School class of 1954.  While raising her family, Barbara went back to work and spent the following 30 years at Guaranty Bank and Trust Co. in Worcester retiring as a bank officer. Barbara was a devout catholic and was a member of St. George Church in Worcester. She served her lord in various church ministries including the Bereavement Committee, the Women’s Guild and as a Eucharistic Minister. She looked forward to spending time at the Holden Senior Center where she was involved in many activities. She deeply valued relationships with family and friends always maintaining a heartfelt personal connection.  Barbara and Don were adventurous and enjoyed their numerous trips “RVing” throughout the United States. She was a New England sports fan and particularly reveled in following her beloved Boston Red Sox.

Barbara will be lovingly missed and remembered by her two daughters, Cheryl B. Dennis and her husband, Paul of Worcester and Sandra L. Luthman and her husband Mark of Hubbardston; two grandchildren, Bonnie Joly and her husband, Andrew of Tewksbury and Tyler Dennis of Worcester; two great grandchildren, Conor and Keegan Joly; a brother in law, Alan Tarkiainen and his wife, Kathleen of North Oxford. Besides her husband, Barbara is predeceased by her brother, Walter Grendol.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara’s family from 9 to 10:30 am on Thursday, January 11, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden followed by a procession to St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle Street in Worcester where a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am.  Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester, MA 01606, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham MA 02452.