Beatrice M. Barry (Sullivan), age 92, a life-long resident of Wilmington, died peacefully on July 4, 2016, at Woodbriar Health Center in Wilmington.
Beatrice was born on September 6, 1923, in Somerville, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Augustine and Miriam Sullivan. Beatrice was raised in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1942.
Beatrice married the “love of her life” Richard Barry, Jr. on June 22, 1958; together they shared many wonderful years before his untimely passing on March 26, 1984. Bea and Dick became parents to two terrific children, Mike and Anne. Bea loved being a mother; she was always supportive of her children and very proud of their accomplishments. Bea also adored being a grandmother to her granddaughter Katie; she was the light of her life.
Beatrice led a very active life; following High School she worked for the War Labor Board and volunteered for the USO to help in any way with the war efforts until the war ended. Bea then went to work as a secretary for Household Finance Company and the First National Bank of Boston for many years before she retired.
Bea and her friends loved to take day trips and a few over night stays with the Wilmington Recreation Department; they always had a great time. Bea also loved to travel with family, especially her daughter; some of their more memorable trips were to England, Ireland, California and Florida just to name a few.
Bea also loved to be by the water; whether it was growing up on Silver Lake, taking trips to the beach or just relaxing by the ocean with family and friends; she enjoyed every minute of it.
In her spare time, Bea enjoyed dancing, especially at the Knights of Columbus dances with her friends and she was an avid Bruins and Red Sox fan who hardly ever missed a game. Let’s not forget Bea’s fondness of candlepin bowling; she not only belonged to the coffee league over at Candlewood Lanes in North Reading for many years but she watched bowling religiously on Saturdays, enjoying every strike
Bea will be remembered as a lovely lady, kind and sweet who would do anything for anyone. Bea cherished the time she spent with family and friends at parties, cookouts, and holidays; she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Beatrice was the beloved wife of the late Richard V. Barry, Jr., devoted mother of Michael Barry and Anne Barry both of Wilmington, loving “Ma” of her granddaughter Kathryn Barry. Cherished daughter of the late Augustine and Miriam (Melzar), dear sister of the late Rita Doherty, Charles and David Sullivan. Beatrice is also survived by her dear friend Mary Boylen as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Saturday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, July 8th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Beatrice’s name may be made to a Charity of your choice.