Burnetta G. Barry

On January 26, 2016, the choir of angels came to greet Burnetta Gae Barry age 73, formerly of Westtown, at Freedom Village in West Brandywine. They took her to paradise and gave her eternal life to dwell in the land of the living.

Born in Wierton, West Virginia, daughter of Joseph Austen and Ruth Smith Pope, she has resided in Chester County since 1971.

A graduate of Weir High School, class of 1960, and an Alpha Lambda Delta graduate from Marshall University, Huntington West Virginia. Her business career included a Medallion Club Realtor, an accountant for a CPA firm, a licensed Security Exchange Sales Representative, Office Manager for a brokerage firm specializing in Real Estate Investment Trust, and co-founder of a management consulting firm specializing in accounting, actuarial and administrative services to small businesses and the non-profit sector.

This independent, uncommonly smart woman remained very much a country girl. A sturdy West Virginian, she was raised by working class parents to believe in God and to give back to others. Those blue collar Christian values became the heart and soul of her being. Like her dad, she took care of her family, friends, neighbors, and total strangers. She used her professional skills to prepare income taxes free of charge for senior citizens and those in need.

Always being of a peaceful and humble nature, she was kind and accommodating with everyone even at the price of enormous sacrifices. Her giving did not stop when she was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s disease. At that stage of her life, she turned her giving to the betterment of humanity by participating in trial match research studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Her greatest gift was that of friendship. Her relationship with Attie, a grade school buddy, was lifelong and a model of devotion. Once you were her friend you had a lifetime pass to her heart.

When it was made known that Burnetta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she received dozens of letters from former classmates, business acquaintances, and old friends. They spoke of her beauty, grace, smile, charm, gentleness, smarts, kindness, and how much she meant to them. Those letters along with the prayers were a comfort to her during her final journey as they are to her family now. Her family wishes to thank you all for laying the wreaths at her feet.

May the memory of the many who accompanied her throughout this journey encourage us in our faith, inviting us to rediscover the good that God has begun in us, and allowing Him to bring your good works to completion.

Burnetta was one of those special people who made a difference in the lives of others, made the best of whatever life handed her, and made everyone else smile in the process. She had an openness that invited others in and a warmth that made them comfortable.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 50 years, Walter C. Barry, her son and his wife Walt and Susan Barry of Downingtown, her sister Della Mae Semendinger of Silver Spring MD, and two granddaughters Morgan and Hayden Barry.

A celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 am on Sat. February 6 at Freedom Village 15 Freedom Blvd. West Brandywine (In the Auditorium). The Barry Family will be receiving friends and family after 9:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia PA 19106. www.allevafuneralhome.com