Mary Lou Barry

Mary was born in 1927 to Walter and Ethel Smith in Kent, Ohio and was the eldest of three children. She attended Kent State University where she received her degree and met the love of her life, Bill Barry. They were married 68 years and traveled the world together. They had a wonderful life living in Portland, San Francisco, and New York City before coming to Rockland County where they raised their seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, each with whom she had a special bond and loved dearly. Her family was the focus of her life and a source of great pride. Mary was a loving person who always had a smile and kind word for everyone she met. She always tried to find the best in people and cared for everyone. “Mrs. Barry” was beloved by all whether it was her friends, her children’s friends, neighbors, or townspeople. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Mary. She was an excellent cook, and her large family remembers the incredible meals that were shared together throughout the years.

Her home was always buzzing with dinner parties and celebrations filled with delicious food, music, and laughter. This mom of seven was a nature lover and avid gardener who spent hours working outside. Mary also loved playing, singing, and listening to music. She was an accomplished piano player and sang for years in the Christmas choir at Midnight Mass at the family parish, St. Francis of Assisi. Mary Lou encouraged all her children to rely on their faith and love one another, and always led the way by example.

She is survived by her children William, Maureen (James), Brian, Stephen (Carol), Matthew (Jean), Patrick (Sheri), and Kate (James); grandchildren Kim (George), James (Brianna), Mary Kate, Brian, Michael, Caroline, Billy (Kirsten), Tara, Catherine, Jacqueline (Ian), Amanda (Flynn), Matthew, Susan, and Robert; great-grandchildren George, Finn, Orion, Jackson, and Kendall; and sister Rose M. Linville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Barry family.