SALISBURY — Beth Harlan, 75, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and Salisbury, Connecticut, passed away on March 2, 2026, in New York City. Her son, Zachariah Harlan Warner, and daughter-in-law, Olivia Baribeau, were by her side.
Born on July 22, 1950, in Dayton, Ohio, Beth brought a wonderful combination of energy, intellect and humor to those around her. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Stephens College in Missouri in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Emerson College in Boston in 1972, and a Master in Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 1993.
After college, her travels and life experiences included time in Ohio, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City before ultimately setting roots in the Salisbury area in 1980.
During these travels, Beth explored her creative side, dabbling as a television personality with on air appearances in Ohio & Atlanta and pursuing stand up comedy in Los Angeles where she took acting classes alongside Robin Williams. While at Emerson College, she was a member of a comedy group that included Jay Leno and her comedic nature stayed with her throughout her life.
Beth ultimately settled professionally as a social worker demonstrating her empathy for others and her ability to listen but her most treasured and defining role was that of a mother to her beloved son, Zach. Her love for him was constant and unwavering, and she took immense pride in her time as a mother to Zach and all that life brought to them along the way.
As Beth was fighting pancreatic cancer, the dedication and spirit that she demonstrated to ultimately be a part of Zach’s wedding this past September was remarkable and demonstrated her grit and spirit. Beth is also survived by Zachariah’s wife, Olivia Baribeau of NYC, as well as her brother, Dr. Stephen H. Harlan, DDS of Dayton, Ohio;her nephews, Chad Harlan of NYC and Paula and Seth Harlan of Cleveland, Ohio; her step-children, Silas Warner of West Hartford, Connecticut, Ian and Beth Warner of West Barnstable, Massachusetts, and Eugenie Warner of Lakeville;her ex-husband, Scott Warner of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and other extended family, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Beth will be remembered for her energy, intellect and her sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Beth’s memory to the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health Center who graciously assisted Beth with her cancer treatment this past year. A celebration of life will be held in Salisbury, CT at a later, yet to be determined, date.
