Noblet Huye Barry

Noblet Beryl Huye Barry was born Jan. 28, 1922, and died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, after an extended illness. Noblet was the second of four children born to George Adolph Huye and Henrietta Stucke Huye. She grew up in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans and graduated from the original John McDonogh High School in that city. She attended LSU with scholarship and work/study assistance, and there met Simmons Joseph Barry, to whom she would be married for 57 years. They became engaged on Pearl Harbor Day and married on Feb. 3, 1942, moving to Baton Rouge after World War II. Noblet and Simmons, whom she called Barry her whole life, had four children, Jon Bennett Barry, Noblet Marie Barry Danks, Leslie Anne Barry Davidson and Wilfred Bennett Barry, all of whom survive her, as do her sister-in-law, Amelia Brown, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Dorothy Barry, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her long-time devoted friend, Chaweewan Tongdee, who was like a daughter to her. She is also survived by her daily companion and helper of 60 years, Lucille Collins; and her talented gardener, James Richard. Noblet converted to Catholicism during her marriage and was a member of Our Lady of Mercy parish for more than 60 years. She returned to LSU later to complete her bachelor of arts degree in English literature. She read extensively throughout her life. Her extraordinary memory and creative aestheticism influenced her many interests and activities, including writing short stories and poetry, decorating, painting, gardening, cooking, sewing, stamp and coin collecting, traveling, and entertaining. Most of all, she was a thinker, bringing a creative approach to all efforts she undertook. She and Barry were active supporters of the Baton Rouge Symphony and the New Orleans Opera. Her travels included Europe, Asia and many of the National Parks in the United States. She was an active proponent and member for the International Hospitality Foundation at LSU, serving as friend and hostess to many foreign students from all over the world. Her home was open to extended family members and friends, providing a guest room and home cooked meals whenever needed. In her later years she worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping those in need with their utility bills and other expenses. She could read in Spanish, French and German, and was a longtime member of the French Club of Baton Rouge. Mrs. Barry's family extends its gratitude to Delores Bordelon, Diane Hickerson, Yolanda Jackson and the other staff of Home Instead and Sunrise Assisted Living for their care and assistance to Mrs. Barry in recent years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church or to Hospice of Baton Rouge. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., on Friday, Nov. 18, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by the Rev. Miles D. Walsh. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd.