September 18, 1938 – January 25, 2026
Mildred L. (Ryan) Barton, a resident of Reading for 35 years, passed away peacefully at her home on January 25, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years of age.
Millie, as she was fondly known, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 18, 1938, the daughter of the late Robert B. and Jesse (Abbott) Ryan. Millie grew up in Cambridge with her ten siblings, with the Charles River as her playground. She later crossed the Charles and settled in Brighton after marrying her best friend and the love of her life, the late Alan F. Barton, to whom she was married for nearly 54 years.
Millie was the devoted mother of Catherine Barton Rossetti and her husband, Kenneth J. Rossetti of Reading. She was the loving grandmother of Olivia, Lilah, and Cora Rossetti.
Millie successfully balanced motherhood and work when raising Catherine. Millie was a devoted mother who took Catherine to dance lessons and recitals and volunteered countless hours at Catherine’s schools as a field trip chaperone, cafeteria attendant, and cashier at school holiday fairs.
Millie also cherished summers on the family boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, and, later in life, spending time with family on the New Hampshire coastline. Millie loved riding mopeds with Al in Bermuda, grilling steaks for family and friends by her swimming pool and taking trips throughout New England – when she wasn’t watching her beloved Boston sports teams.
After moving with Al to Reading in 1991, Millie became a school crossing guard at a post two blocks from her home, where she safely guided countless schoolchildren – her “kids,” as she called them – on their way to school.
Millie loved every aspect of being Catherine’s mom and Al’s wife, and that deep love of family made Millie the best possible “Nani” to her beloved granddaughters. Millie showered Olivia, Lilah and Cora with love and attention, and she enjoyed spending time with them.
She will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.
A visitation will be held for Millie at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom funeral Home at 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9am-10am to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30AM. Burial will follow at Charles Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Millie to The Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home Hospice Care www.bilhathome.org/giving
For directions and online guest book visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com.
