Jean M. (Curtis) Barrett
Jean M. (Curtis) Barrett, 82, died peacefully on Jan. 9 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital surrounded by her six children. Jean was born on July 8, 1930 to Alice (Callahan) and Thomas Curtis and lived in Quincy. She attended St Gregory Catholic School and went on to Katharine Gibbs school in Boston. She also completed several courses in creative writing at Boston College. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Pilgrim Center in Braintree, Stop and Shop Co., Milton Academy and completed her career at the National Fire Protection Agency as an editorial secretary.
She met Robert J. Barrett while working at Curtis Farms, the supermarket business her family owned. They married February 15, 1958 and were blessed with 6 children. She was selected as mother of the Year by the Braintree Forum in 1967. As a young girl she enjoyed tap dancing and won acclaim for her tap dancing on the Major Bowes Radio hour in September 1939.
Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. Dedicated to educating their youngsters, the family traveled to Washington D.C., and Nova Scotia to explore their Canadian heritage. Jean also ensured her children had fun, even traveling to the opening of DisneyWorld in Florida. Jean and Bob traveled to Italy and Ireland with their grown children.
Jean loved to meet people. She frequently hosted dinner parties at her home in Braintree and attended numerous family events including graduations, weddings, and family fundraisers. Jean’s trademarks were her enthusiasm for life, beautiful smile, detailed and lively conversation and ability to leave you feeling better after having been in her presence . We will miss her forever.
Wife of the the late Robert J. Barrett, Jean leaves her children Robert J. Barrett Jr. of Braintree, Patricia Barrett Rinaldi and her husband Damian of Wilton, CT, Anne Marie Barrett Desmond and her husband Paul of Southborough, Thomas M. Barrett and Joseph P. Barrett, both of Cambridge and Susan Barrett and her partner Dr. Bryan Marsh of Norwich, VT. She is also survived by four grandchildren, David and Katherine Rinaldi and Erin and Sean Desmond. She was sister to David J. Curtis, Dorothy A. Kelley and the late Thomas E. Curtis, Mary E. Berlo, Richard D. Curtis and S. Alan Curtis. Jean is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Church of Saint Clare, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree, Tuesday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., East Milton, Monday 4-8 p.m. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place West 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, Dr. Brian Wolpin Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Guestbook Entries
Dear Susan and the Barrett Family,
I am thinking of you and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Heather E. Skeels
The Lord has received Aunt Jean with open arms. May her laughter be heard with the whispering winds throughout our world. She was and is truly a magnificent woman.
My thoughts are with you all. Jean was cherished by all who knew her. Her warmth, her friendly nature and the pride she held for her family marked the essence of her very being. I share in your loss and I send my most sincere condolences, my thoughts and my prayers to each one of you. Fondly, Jane McGinnis
We will always remember seeing your mother’s smiling face and her laugh.
Leminen Girls
Dear Barrett Family,
Jean will be greatly missed , she was fun fun fun! I remember Jean staying at The Carriage House Inn and she and Sam Horn, who was also a guest (ex Red Sox player) was kidding around with her. He kept saying to Jean…”you got it going, if only you were younger”! I never laughed so hard. This was at breakfast no less! Jean could turn waiting for a bus into a party! She could have been a stellar talk show host. Jean was interested in everyone, and a fabulous networker. Jean’s children were so loving and devoted to their Mom. Our thoughts are with all of you!! Warm Regards, Paula & Tim
Our prayers are with all of you during this time. We will miss Aunt Jean so very much and will keep her in our prayers, also.
Eternal rest grant unto them. O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
God bless each of you and know that Mary’s mantle will surround you always.
Dear Barrett Family,
It was my delight and honor to work with Jean over the past several years in a group setting and more recently privately, as she strived for strength and health. I will miss her stories and our weekly time together. God let her rest peacefully.
Susan, Tommy, Joe, Tricia, Anne Marie and Bobby,
Your was an incredible woman that raised an amazing family. I feel so fortunate to have been brought into the Barrett circle of love and fun. Your mother has always been at the center of that circle and will be greatly missed.
Dear Barrett Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Jean for many years at NFPA. She would always brighten your day with her upbeat attitude and beautiful smile. R.I.P. Jean
Your mother was a wonderful woman, filled with so much love. May you find peace in knowing your mother is in a much better place. Sending you all lots of love.
Tricia, and all the Barretts and your extended families –
Jean had a special love of family and friends that has been passed on to all of you. She will always have a special place in my heart. And like everyone else, the thought of her will always make me smile. My love and prayers to you.
Bobby, Tricia, Anne Marie, Tommy, Joe and Susan,
I have wonderful memories of the “good ole days” on Winter street,your Mom was a big part of my childhood,I cherish those days…..She will always stay close in my heart,I loved her very much.
May she rest in Peace.
My Love and Prayers to you all.
Dear Anne Marie and Paul,
I am so sorry to hear the news of your Mother’s passing ( I just logged onto facebook). Anne Marie the last time I spoke with you, she was being worked up for GI issues.
Your Mother was such a pillar of strength, the glue that has held your family together. I wasn’t surprised to read she had won ,Mother of the Year 1967. We can only hope and pray to be half the incredible women she was. Although, she is gone, her spirit will always be alive in all the lives she touched. She was one Classy Lady, always giving to her family and others.
I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be there for you over these past several days. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Thoughts and prayers
Sincerely,
Megg