Jean Helen Barry

Jean Helen Cunningham was born in Lynn Massachusetts on May 22, 1919 to John and Jean (Divine) Cunningham named after her mother she was one of 6 other siblings in the home. Although they were raised during the depression, having so many siblings as playmates was cause for much playtime and laughter. Jean’s father had multiple sclerosis and was bed ridden; however, her mother was able to provide for the family by operating a small bakery. In addition her sisters also took on jobs outside of the home to help pay the family bills. It was a hard time back then, although there was struggle Jean would only describe her childhood as a happy one. She was never one to dwell on the negative, but always emphasized the positive. Her family owned a piano which was often the source of entertainment for Jean and her siblings. One would play the piano and the rest would sing along, and if they were not playing the piano it was not uncommon for her brothers to play pranks on the rest of the family. Growing up in a devout Catholic home, Jean attended St. Mary Catholic School for girls where she remembered wearing uniforms. After graduation from High School she began a job at General Electric, not long after a gentleman by the name of Francis Barry had spotted Jean at work and asked a fellow coworker to set them up on a blind date. They began a courtship, Fran calling Jean his Peach which was a nickname that stuck the rest of her life. They married in 1943 in Massachusetts and three years later welcomed a son, John. A few months after their son’s birth, Fran had the opportunity to start an Optical Company in Oregon with a few other gentlemen. Fran and Peach decided to pack up their belongings and move to Oregon and begin a new chapter in their lives. They first settled in northeast Portland and were blessed with their daughter Kathy. Sometime after, Fran decided to purchase a home in the Garden Home area. The home was run down but was settled on 3 acres, which would be perfect to raise a family and start a mini farm. On the farm were chickens, cows, pigs, a horse, rabbits, dogs and cats with plenty of chores as well. While Fran was at work and the children were at school, Jean was often found chasing after animals that may have drifted into a neighbor’s home. It was a lot of work but it was a wonderful home for her to raise her children with many fond memories. Jean made many family meals where she enjoyed the time to catch up with her children. Once the children were grown and moved out of the house, Fran and Peach purchased a home on Laid Law Road. It was a very special home for both of them in their later years. Tragically, in 1992 Fran was involved in an auto accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down and was in need of 24 hour around the clock care. Without hesitation Jean took care of her husband, also getting assistance from her children to care for their father. After two years of devoted care, Fran passed away in 1994 and Jean decided to sell the home on Laid Law and move into a Senior Community. She very much enjoyed the socialization that a large senior community had to offer, it was not uncommon for Jean to find other ladies to talk to in the main dining room and share a cup of coffee. In addition, she also tended a small garden on her apartment patio where she planted many flowers. Three years ago after a series of falls Jean realized she needed to have some additional support and moved to Hearthstone of Beaverton Senior Living, on November 30, 2014 she peacefully passed away in the comfort of her bed, surrounded by family. A wake will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6:00 PM at Young’s Funeral Home where family and friends will have a time of sharing, food, and fellowship. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed by interment at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Jean was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who dearly loved the Lord and will never be forgotten by all those who had the opportunity to meet her. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Francis C. Barry, parents John and Jean Cunningham; siblings, Mary, Gertrude, Todd, Jack, Buzz and Tom. She is survived by her son, Jack Barry; daughter, Kathy (George) Tobey; grandchildren, Colleen (Mike) Sterle, Tracey Barry, John Barry, Jeffry Barry, Amanda (Paul) Honig and Allison Tobey; great grandchildren, Natalie, Ariana, Joshua, Tavia and Krue. The family asks that you share a memory or story in the online guestbook at www.youngsfuneralhome.org