Obituary for Mary S. Barrett
Mary Sisson Barrett, (“Pusscat") a resident of Laurelmead in Providence, passed peacefully on January 28, 2015, in her 97th year, surrounded by her loving children. She was the beloved wife of the late John T. Barrett, MD. Born in Providence March 30, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Charles P. Sisson and Margaret A. (Gifford) Sisson. Mary attended Lincoln School for many years until her father took a position in the Hoover administration, and the family moved to Washington, DC, where she attended Sidwell Friends School. Upon her return to Providence, she graduated from Lincoln School in 1936 and attended Mt. Holyoke College, Class of 1940. She attended Yale School of Nursing for one year before marrying the love of her life, John Barrett, who was then in medical school.
As a homemaker Mary simultaneously raised five children while volunteering for and serving on the boards of many Providence organizations: Tockwotton Home, John Hope Settlement House, the Obadiah Brown Society, and Lincoln School among others. She was also a member of the Agawam Hunt, and the Handicraft Club and was one of the mainstays of the Providence Friends Meeting. She was a master bridge player, an enthusiastic golf and tennis player, an unsurpassed debater, a talented handicrafter, a lover of gardening, dogs and cats and a devoted Red Sox fan. A love of traveling took Mary and her family to many distant places, and in fact she was booked on a cruise to Australia in early February. Mary had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit and a deep devotion to her children and many friends, including childhood friend Mary Taber Honey (also known as “Pusscat”). Gracious, kind, and always reaching out with a helping hand, she was a rare woman who will live in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her children, William S. Barrett of Freedom, NH, and his children, Joshua (Jessica) and Jameson; John T. Jr. and Jane W. A. Barrett of Rehoboth, MA and their children, Abigail B. Bloom (Jon), Emily G. (James Darragh), John T. III, and Eliza W.; Charles S. and Allison K. Barrett of Providence and their children, Amy (Justin Peters) and CB (Melissa); Margaret B. Holzman (Steve) of Hurley, NY, and their children, Sarah Polanski (Michal) and David; Elizabeth B. Johnson of Nevada City, CA, and her children, Elisha and Miriam. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog Spritzy. She leaves niece Susan Rider Rittling, and nephews Larry, Bob and Stuart Rider and Tim and Rob Barrett. She was the sister of the late Hope Rider.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 11am at the Providence Friends Meeting House, 99 Morris Avenue, Providence. Contributions in her name can be directed to Lincoln School, Development Office, 301 Butler Avenue, Providence RI 02906.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 11am at the Providence Friends Meeting House, 99 Morris Avenue, Providence. Contributions in her name can be directed to Lincoln School, Development Office, 301 Butler Avenue, Providence RI 02906.
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As a homemaker Mary simultaneously raised five children while volunteering for and serving on the boards of many Providence organizations: Tockwotton Home, John Hope Settlement House, the Obadiah Brown Society, and Lincoln School among others. She was also a member of the Agawam Hunt, and the Handicraft Club and was one of the mainstays of the Providence Friends Meeting. She was a master bridge player, an enthusiastic golf and tennis player, an unsurpassed debater, a talented handicrafter, a lover of gardening, dogs and cats and a devoted Red Sox fan. A love of traveling took Mary and her family to many distant places, and in fact she was booked on a cruise to Australia in early February. Mary had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit and a deep devotion to her children and many friends, including childhood friend Mary Taber Honey (also known as “Pusscat”). Gracious, kind, and always reaching out with a helping hand, she was a rare woman who will live in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her children, William S. Barrett of Freedom, NH, and his children, Joshua (Jessica) and Jameson; John T. Jr. and Jane W. A. Barrett of Rehoboth, MA and their children, Abigail B. Bloom (Jon), Emily G. (James Darragh), John T. III, and Eliza W.; Charles S. and Allison K. Barrett of Providence and their children, Amy (Justin Peters) and CB (Melissa); Margaret B. Holzman (Steve) of Hurley, NY, and their children, Sarah Polanski (Michal) and David; Elizabeth B. Johnson of Nevada City, CA, and her children, Elisha and Miriam. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog Spritzy. She leaves niece Susan Rider Rittling, and nephews Larry, Bob and Stuart Rider and Tim and Rob Barrett. She was the sister of the late Hope Rider.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 11am at the Providence Friends Meeting House, 99 Morris Avenue, Providence. Contributions in her name can be directed to Lincoln School, Development Office, 301 Butler Avenue, Providence RI 02906.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 11am at the Providence Friends Meeting House, 99 Morris Avenue, Providence. Contributions in her name can be directed to Lincoln School, Development Office, 301 Butler Avenue, Providence RI 02906.
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