Joan M. “Grammie Joan” Barrett of Avon, December 31, 2013, at age 80. Survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Arthur; her daughters: Patricia Webb, Connie (Tom Moran) Ryan, Linda (Tom) Freeman, Sandy (Jim) Schillinger and Betsy (Lyle) Findlay; sons: Bill(Maria) Barrett, Jim(Patti) Barrett, Chris (Heidi) Barrett. Grandchildren: Robbie(Carrianne) Coyne, Peter(Becky Anderson) Ryan, Ashley(Steve) Comeau, Jessica(Adam) Soucy, Tommy(Katherine) Freeman, Brandon(Joelle)Freeman; Chad, Justin and Ali Schillinger; Taryn Webb; Olivia and Lucas Findlay; Fallon, Chris, Marissa, Anna, Julia, Nicholas and Evan Barrett. Great-Grandchildren: Abigail and Brayden Coyne; Jack and Owen Johnston; Barrett and Cameron Comeau; Finnegan Soucy ; her cousin Marty Stowell; many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dogs Dee-Dee and Zoey. Predeceased by daughters: Sharon, Victoria and Judith Barrett; Brothers: Milo and Kenneth and Sisters: Marion and Marjorie.
Joan was born in Rochester, NY and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from RIT. She worked at RIT for 25 years, and retired as the Associate Director of Admissions in 1998.
In addition to raising a large family, Joan spent countless hours sewing dresses for proms, weddings and other special occasions as well as costumes for Halloween. Each birthday brought a unique cake for every child. Joan created a strong family community for all. She was a proud supporter of all of her grandchildren’s endeavors. She will be missed by all of those whose lives she touched.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street, Routes 15 and 20A, Livonia. Services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Avon, NY. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 300 East River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627. To send condolences, visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
To the Barrett Family,
I send my sincere sympathy to your family. Upon reading her bio she was a remarkable wife, mother & grandmother. She was the perfect example of a loving matriarch of a large, warm family. Tom Moran is my cousin & as I’ve gotten to know Connie over the years, I can see where she inherited her mother’s charm & great smile. My thoughts & prayers to you.
Mr. Barrett,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. You and your family will always be in my prayers. Rob Pullyblank CMCS Class of 1985
Mr. Barrett, Betsy, Sandy, and all the family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Not only in losing your mom/wife/grandma, but that she had to even get the disease she battled the past few years. Hoping that time and happy memories ease your pain. Kathy
Jim, sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our prayers are with your family in your time of sorrow. God Bless you.
Steve Helm and the SMWC staff.
To Mr. Barrett, Patty and all of the kids –
So sorry for the loss of Mrs. Barrett and really sorry I cannot be there with support for all of you. I have a lot of found memories of your Mom just like everyone else will have that knew her. I know all of you will stick together and get through this tough time! My condolences to you all!
Brad and Patti
To the Whole Art Barrett Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Joan was a big part of making you who you were. I still tell the tale that my Aunt & Uncle had 7 girls then 3 boys. Aunt Joan was always a very caring person & had to bear much heartache with grace. In these trying times may a memory make you laugh & cry. Great memories will I was carrying with me. God bless you & hold you dear to his heart.
Sincere sympathy to the family of a wonderful RIT colleague and a consummate professional known by all for her cheerfulness and dedication.
Connie, and the entire Barrett Family: My sincerest sympathies to you on the passing of your mother. What a great lady!… and with so many accomplishments for you to be proud of. Sincerely, Kathy Kingsbury Clark
Aunt Joan,
I will surely miss your caring smile, your nurturing way, and your endurance to tackle anything in front of you. May God bless you, Uncle Art, your family, and all of your dear friends during these trying times. Remembering Christmas, picnics, and times spent with all of your children in those early Barrett years. All great memories!