Martha (Barber) Goodspeed Harrington

Martha Barber Goodspeed Harrington (83) passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, in East Haddam, CT, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Martha was born in Middletown on October 9, 1941, to the late John and Dolores (Chelifoux) Barber. Following her graduation from NathanHale-Ray High School in 1960 she married her high school sweetheart, Craig Goodspeed.  Together they raised five children. Their home was a hub of activity.  She was an excellent cook, well known for her cranberry nut bread and pies, and guests always left with a full stomach. Martha was a natural athlete, participating in recreational volleyball, softball, swimming, and biking.  She played on the Little Devils softball team with her sisters, Theresa and Sheryl.  She was a heavy hitter who often cleared the bases.  The team proudly captured the Shoreline title in 1977.  Martha always had a swimming pool in the backyard and enjoyed teaching many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to swim.

It was challenging for Martha to sit still.  She was an avid reader and was highly skilled at knitting and gardening, hobbies that relaxed her.  She made thousands of colorful mittens throughout her lifetime, donating many to charity.  Family and friends continue to reap the rewards of her green thumb.

Martha’s life took a sad turn in 1987, with Craig’s sudden and unexpected passing. She pursued a career in healthcare.  For many years she worked for Dr. Howard Boey, with whom she developed a lasting friendship.

She married Robert Harrington in 1995.  Martha could not tolerate cold weather and they began to spend winters in Florida.  Eventually they moved there full time, settling in North Port.  This was their “happy place” where they enjoyed beautiful weather, wonderful neighbors, and their loyal companion, Oreo.  Unfortunately, Martha had to leave Florida in late 2022 due to deteriorating health. She spent her remaining years in East Haddam being doted on by her family and friends.

Martha is survived by her husband, Robert Harrington, and her children, Scott Goodspeed (Lorraine), Mark Goodspeed (Carolyn), Tracey Zinck (Peter), Marjorie Traceski (Robert), and Craig Goodspeed Jr. (Tara).  She leaves eleven grandchildren: Garrett Goodspeed, Todd Goodspeed, Kurtis Goodspeed, Kyle Goodspeed, Nathan Zinck, Ryan Zinck, Aaron Zinck, Robert Traceski Jr., Jason Traceski, Emily Tracesski, Carlee Kobrock, and two great grandchildren: Leah Zinck and Maverick Craig Zinck.  She is survived by her siblings Joseph Barber, Theresa Parady, and Sheryl Gagen, in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Francis Barber and John Barber, and three sisters Pamela Mills, Carol Thody, and Laura Davis.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Those who wish may send memorial contributions to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a non-profit organization that provides free camp experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses, located at 555 Long Wharf Drive, 11th Floor, New Haven, CT 06511.

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