NEWBURYPORT — Lena (O’Brien) Barr, age 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 23, 2016 in Newburyport. Lena was the widow of John Barr Jr., who passed away on Jan. 24, 1993, after sharing 52 years of marriage.
She was born in Lynn on Jan. 25, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Ann (Carbone) (O’Brien) Baptisto and James O’Brien and step-daughter to John Baptisto.
Lena was predeceased by her daughter Jacqueline (Barr) Collins, her son-in-law Drew Falconer, two granddaughters, one grandson, two brothers and a sister. Lena was the matriarch of this clan and along with John was devoted to raising nine children. She was loved by many and will be missed by the legacy of family, that were most important to her; her children, John Barr III and his wife Sharon of Springfield, Michael Barr and his wife Kimberly of Fremont, N.H., Sandra Faulconer of Zephyrhills, Fla., Pamela Cinelli of Revere, Ruthanne Cullinan Barr and her husband Michael of Milford, N.H., and Cold Spring, N.Y., Christine Zuker and her husband Richard of Newburyport, Joanne Barr Leon and her husband Jose of Miami, Fla., Melanie Barr Gonthier and her husband Ken of Amesbury. She also leaves her son-in-law, Edward Collins of Glens Falls, N.Y.
Known and loved as Nana to her 22 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren, her legacy and story will continue through them. Some of our fondest memories include our trips to the beach, sharing her love of sports, whether it was watching members of her clan play or watching a Red Sox or Patriots game. She was truly a New England sports fan, even if it meant watching the Pats play in Miami. The clan was at her mercy when it came to bowling (one of her many pleasures), beating us even into her 80s. She loved all types of music and enjoyed a good sing-a-long. From mittens to prom gowns, from school uniforms and clothes to Halloween costumes, we all remember the love she put into every stitch. These memories and much, much more are the fabric that holds and will continue to hold this clan together.
Service information: Family and friends are kindly invited to attend her funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, School Street, Amesbury, MA 01913, followed by a luncheon at Holy Family Parish Hall. Interment will be private at the Rowley Burial Ground.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, that those who wish to remember Lena may do so through one of the following charities below or a charity of their choice. American Diabetes, American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis.