Barbara S. Kourtesis

Barbara S. (Clark) Kourtesis, age 79, of Portsmouth, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the wife of John G. Kourtesis, to whom she had been married for 58 years. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Edward B. and Laura L. (Seddon) Clark.

Barbara worked in sales for radio, television and billboard advertising as an account executive and sales manager. She was highly regarded in the industry for her candor and honesty. Barbara was also involved with the RI Special Olympics events for numerous years. Eventually, she retired in 2000 as did her husband John. They enjoyed their retirement by spending time in their condo in the Florida Keys for 20 years. The family visits to the Keys each year were cherished especially with their grandchildren Sara and Seth who were able to grow to adulthood with great memories there.

In recent years, she lived in Aquidneck Island and enjoyed spending time with her husband going to local restaurants. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, camping, concerts in Newport, picnics in the parks by the water, playing poker with her family during the holidays and cribbage on the front porch looking at the Sakonnet River. Barbara had the biggest most beautiful smile, personality and sense of humor, and would light up every room she entered. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family and all of her friends she made throughout the years.

Besides her husband, Barbara is survived by two sons, Jon S. Kourtesis and his wife Sherry of Swansea, and Eric B. Kourtesis of Portsmouth; two grandchildren, Sara B. Kourtesis and Seth M. Kourtesis; sister-in-law, Elaine Machado; one nephew, Stephen McArthur and his wife Mary; two nieces, Nancy Snell and Lori Clark; two great-nephews, Stephen McArthur, Jr., and Ryan Machado, three great-nieces, Shannon McArthur, Ashley Ichiba and Courtney McArthur; two cousins, Lois Morris and Janice Seddon. She was sister of the late Jean Walsh, Donald Clark and Edward Clark and aunt of the late Ed Clark and Irena Clark.

Her Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s honor may be made to Special Olympics Rhode Island, Inc., 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917.