Geraldine Barry

Geraldine C. (Ger) Barry, of 20 Prince Edward Street, Saint John, NB died at home on June 6th, 2016. Geraldine was born on August 19th, 1922, the sixth of twelve children of the late Judge John A. Barry and Julia (Wilson) Barry. Much to the surprise of her mother and father, Connie was born ten minutes later. Ger graduated from St. Vincent’s Girls High School in 1939 and from Saint John Vocational School in 1940.

She is survived by her brothers Patrick (Eleanor) Barry, of Westwood, Massachusetts and Malcolm A. (Frances) Barry of Quispamsis, 53 nieces and nephews, 133 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and numerous great grand-nieces and great grand-nephews. She is also survived by two of her sisters-in-law Ruth Barry (the late Peter) and Corinne Barry (the late Jack). She was predeceased by her parents, her twin sister Constance L. (Connie) Barry as well as three sisters Mary A. O’Reilly, Joan H. Murphy, J. Eileen Duerr; five brothers the Honourable J. Paul Barry, Q.C., J. William Barry, John A. (Jack) Barry, Peter J. Barry, James Barry and 3 nephews Graeme Barry, John Barry and Henry J. Murphy, Q.C.

Ger and Connie, who were identical twins, shared their home and lives from birth until the death of Connie in November 2011 at the age of 89. Connie and Geraldine have been the family historians as well as being historians of the lower West side where they were raised on Dufferin Row. Until her death Ger could remember the birthdays of 56 nieces and nephews and could tell stories of them with love and affection.

Ger’s love for her brothers and sisters was unconditional but also humorous at times as only loyal brothers and sisters can be. Nieces and nephews were always affirmed by her words and by her interest in their children. Her kindness and generous support of family members will be remembered gratefully.

Geraldine and Connie were active members of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and after their retirement with a weekly commitment to Saint Vincent De Paul Society and the office work at the Cathedral. They were also members of the St. Vincent’s Alumnae, the Catholic Women’s League, the Saint John Irish Cultural Association, Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary and Rocmaura Auxiliary.

Geraldine’s loneliness for Connie over the past five years was assuaged by frequent visits from Malcolm and Frances, daily telephone calls from her brother Pat as well the regular family Sunday suppers offered by Malcolm’s children especially the families of his twin daughters, Rosalie and Joanne.

Her caregiver Jocelyn Hennessey became her trusted and faithful friend through the past 5 years. Jocelyn’s wisdom, humour and personal touch made many days brighter and full of fun. From simply being “one of the twins” to the family members and all the ”button hole relatives”, family members got to know Ger. with her wisdom, faith and humour.

Resting at Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John, NB, with visiting on Tuesday, June 7th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home and Reid’s Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Waterloo Street, Saint John at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8th, 2016. Interment will take place in the family plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Westmorland Road in Saint John. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to the Judge John A. and Julia P. Barry Fund can be made through the Saint John Community Foundation at (506) 672.8880 or by email at sjfoundation@nb.aibn.com or donations can be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Restoration Fund in memory of Geraldine and Constance Barry at (506) 653.6967 or at the funeral home.