Hadley, MA – On January 4th, 2026, Harriett Dickinson (Thornton) Aldrich passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was ten days shy of her 98th birthday.
Harriett was born in Amherst in 1928 as the only girl and youngest child of eight (last surviving sibling). She married her high school sweetheart Bing (deceased) just after the conclusion of WWII. They were married for 73 years.
She was a devoted teacher’s assistant in the Amherst school district for decades, where she made many lifelong friends and loved seeing her students grow into successful adults in her community.
Harriett watched every Red Sox game for at least 50 years, and there is even a brick at Fenway Park dedicated to her and Bing. When the Red Sox weren’t on, Harriett loved to read, and even when her eyesight failed her she enjoyed listening to audiobooks.
In her youth, she was an avid camper, and there wasn’t a plant that she couldn’t grow. She was especially fond of her African Violets. But even more than plants, she loved cleaning. Swiffer shareholders will be devastated at her loss, as she was likely their largest source of revenue.
She leaves behind sons James, Jerry and his wife Janna, and Bruce. One of the things that gave her great joy was talking about her grandchildren Jason and his wife Emma, Natalie, Hailey, and Dillon, and bragging about and playing with her great-granddaughter Bryher.
Douglas Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and there will be a private family memorial for Harriett in the spring of this year. She will be interned with Bing in the Booth North Valley Cemetery in Pelham. If you would like to send condolences, please send them to 4 Morning Star Dr, Hadley, MA 01035. For any donations dedicated to Harriett’s name, please direct them to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice or Highland Valley Elder Services.
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