August 5, 1944 – January 30, 2021
Sharon E. (Mullen) Barry, 76, of Reading, loving daughter of the late Calvert Mullen and Barbara E. (Tasney) MacDonald and stepfather Gerald MacDonald, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Winchester Hospital.
Sharon is a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is the devoted mother of Kevin Barry and his wife Stacia and their children Talia and Kayla and Susan Barry Schafer and her husband Danny and their children Laura, Michael and Jillian, and the late Michael Barry. Sharon is the dear sister of Charles Mullen, Robert MacDonald, and Martha Mazzarino. Sharon is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
A lifelong Reading resident Sharon was a graduate of the Reading Memorial High School Class of 1962. She actively maintained connections with close friends and classmates helping with reunion activities throughout the years.
Sharon was a passionate caring member of the local nursing community having earned her LPN degree from Tewksbury State Hospital. During her nursing career, she worked for many years at Malden Hospital and Bear Hill Nursing Homemaking many lasting friends along the way. Her compassion for others made her a dedicated nurse often being regarded as a “hard worker” and “great nurse” by friends, co-workers, and acquaintances alike.
Sharon was always known for her sharp wit, skilled banter, and unrivaled sense of humor. She always added laughter to any gathering and will always be remembered for her blunt honesty.
Sharon loved to gather with friends and family to play cards and games as well as online gaming. She had a knack for coloring, painting, and drawing and never gave up the chance to do arts and crafts with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Sharon always knew what to say and was never afraid to say it. Her door was always open to whoever needed or wanted to visit, offering a listening ear or heartfelt, though sometimes difficult advice. She was deeply devoted to not only her own children but to her children’s friends, her siblings, her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews as well as her great-nieces and nephews. She was always there.
In all phases of her life, Sharon has touched the lives of countless people who regard her as, “one of a kind”, “unforgettable,” “life-of-the-party,” “a HOOT,” “a wonderful heart and spirit,” and “Chairperson of the Humor Committee.” She truly brightened the lives of all she touched.
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Sharon’s family at the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 from 9 to 11:30 AM. Parking attendants and an elevator available. Due to state regulations for Covid-19, a mask is required while in the funeral home and we are allowed up to 25% capacity in the funeral home at one time.
A private family funeral service celebrating Sharon’s Eternal Life will be held in the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home at 11:45 AM. Interment will immediately follow in Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading.
