WORCESTER-Mary E. (Barry) Parenteau, 94, of Worcester; passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 11, in the Rose Monaghan Hospice House surrounded by her family.
Her husband of 61 years, Stanley N. Parenteau, died in 2008. She leaves a son, John F. Parenteau of Worcester; a daughter, Susan L. Hawkesworth of Worcester. Four grandchildren, John D. and his wife, Julie Parenteau of Spencer, Eric J. and his wife, Kathy Parenteau of Clinton, Jennifer L. and her husband, Patrick Corbett of Spencer, and Kristin Summ of Trumbull, CT; seven great grandchildren, Erin, Louis, Paige and Julia Parenteau, Jack and Wyatt Summ and Kyle Corbett. Mary also leaves many nieces and nephews in whom she always took a special interest. Her brother John T. Barry and two sisters, Joan T. Durkin and Rita B. Bartley predeceased her. She was born in Worcester, the eldest child of John J. and Susan A. (Petty) Barry and graduated from St. Peter’s High School.
Mary worked for the former New England Telephone Company for 34 years before retiring. She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Church and the Telephone Pioneers of America. Mary’s family was the most important thing in her life. She was a pious woman with a generous and loving spirit. She always had an interest in politics and kept up with current affairs until the end of her life. She most enjoyed the girls in her “club” and her daily telephone conversations with her two sisters.
In retirement, Mary traveled extensively with her husband and especially enjoyed taking cruises. She and her husband spent many years wintering in Florida with her sister and brother-in law. In the summer, Mary would be at her cottage in Dennisport on Cape Cod. A strong and proud Irishwoman, she was a fighter to the end and will be sorely missed by her loving family.
Calling hours will be held from 4pm-7pm, Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at CALLAHAN~FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester MA. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of CT Inc. 386 Main St. Middletown CT 06457-3360. Please note that the donation is to support Camp Courage.