Alberta R. Harrington

Alberta Harrington of Manchester VT passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026 at the age of 91. Her spunky spirit, unwavering love, faith, and sense of humor will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A life-long Vermonter, Alberta was born in Cambridge VT on September 13, 1934, to Madeline and Hilary Rooney and was the second of six children. She graduated from Johnson’s Teacher College in 1957 and married Keith Harrington of Londonderry VT on June 21, 1958. Together they raised 5 children in beautiful Manchester VT at their home on School Street. Alberta’s passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as a teacher in the Londonderry and Pawlet school systems and later as a substitute teacher at the Manchester Elementary School.

Whether Alberta was volunteering in her community or offering a comforting word to a friend in need, she made a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her. She volunteered in many programs including the Girl Scouts, planning excursions for the Senior Center, Catholic Daughters and was a dedicated lifelong member and lay minister of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She loved driving her friends to tag sales, going to church, nature walks, gardening, hosting family events and outings, writing poetry, and traveling.

She is survived by her children: Charlyne Harrington and partner Skip Colburn of Londonderry VT , Marjorie Paquette and spouse Paul of Gainsville, GA, Stephanie Harrington and spouse, Steven Noroian of North Andover MA, Keith Harrington, Jr. and spouse, Michelle of Whitehall, and Greg Harrington and spouse, Cynthia of Manchester VT; her grandchildren: Sara and David Roberts, Matthew, Michael and Christopher Paquette, Christopher Noroian, Jared Masker, Ryan Craig, Jacob Gribble, and Katie, Kayla, and Bailey Harrington; her sisters: Barbara Warren of Morrisville and Lee Hubbard of Fairfax; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Keith Harrington, in 2006, and her sisters Betty Nolan, Sandy Bowen, and brother Richard (Mickey) Rooney and his wife Nancy.

Though Alberta is no longer with us in body, her spirit endures in the lessons she taught and the lives she shaped, believing in the power of kindness and education to change lives.

A celebration mass at St Paul’s Parish in Manchester VT will be held on March 28, 2026 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 11:00AM. Family, friends, students, and community members are invited to join and share memories of a truly extraordinary woman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Manchester Community Food Cupboard https://www.communityfoodcupboard.org/donate or by check to 40 Jeff Williams Way, Manchester Center, VT.