Mary Margaret (Sayre) Barrett was born on April 8, 1942 in Tucson, Arizona. Her beloved husband Bill came to take her to Heaven on January 26, 2025 in Fresno, California on the one year anniversary of his passing. She is also together again with her parents William and Artemisa, sister Edith and brother Johnny.
Mary completed her undergraduate degree at her hometown University of Arizona (go ‘Cats!) while also competing on the dance team. She received her Masters from the University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign. For over 30 years she worked as a Speech Therapist specializing in teaching K-3 special education. She began her career in the Head Start program in Los Angeles and Sacramento and went on to work at multiple elementary schools in the Fresno United School District. She had a servant’s heart and loved teaching special-needs children. She was a faithful Catholic and proud Mexican-American. She worked tirelessly at being a wife, mother, aunt, teacher, chef, chauffeur, volunteer and friend to everyone.
She was happiest when hosting a gathering or socializing with other people. She was a true “social butterfly” and seemed to draw energy from interacting with others. She was quick to joke around, give heart-felt hugs, get coffee or go to the movies with friends (her favorite was My Big Fat Greek Wedding). She would befriend random strangers, cook for people, visit people, pray for people and, to a lucky few, would even sneak in a little cuss word every once in a while to stay mischievous. She was one of a kind.
She is survived by her sons Tommy, Tony and Michael, her daughters-in-law Julie and Stacy, and her four grandchildren Emily (14), Cassidy (14), William (14), and Eamon (11) all of whom she adored.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 19, 3-7pm at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Blair & Burns Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno CA, Rosary from 5-6pm. Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Ave, Fresno CA, immediately followed by a reception in the Cardinal Newman Hall on site. Family is invited to the the burial at Academy Cemetery in Clovis after the reception. Remembrances can be sent to the Poverello House in Fresno CA.
