Claudette L. BARRY

BARRY, Claudette L. Claudette passed peacefully at home on Wednesday August 17, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. She was born March 11, 1937 in Lewiston, Maine, and moved to Tucson in 1962. Claudette is survived by her son, John; stepchildren, Tim and Kathy; her grandchildren, Michael and Erin; her sisters, Sue and Betty and brother, Eddie, and nieces, Dana and Nikki. She was preceded in death by her brother, Conrad Jalbert. She worked in the mortgage industry for over 25 years and over 12 years at the University of Arizona in the Colleges of Architecture and Art. She achieved one of her ultimate goals--graduating from college in 1999, earning her BA in Art History, summa cum laude, at the age of 62. Claudette cultivated many friendships, professionally and personally. Her friends enriched her life and she theirs. She was a loyal member of the book club, the garden club, and the Mountain Ladies. She loved going to the theatre, gardening, reading, big band music, jazz, and the color purple! She was an avid basketball fan of the Arizona Wildcats. She loved watching her grandchildren grow, watching countless hours of sports, babysitting, and celebrating the milestones of every graduation. Claudette was blessed to have such good care provided by her family and friends over the past several months especially Bettie and BJ. The generous attention of friends and many visitors brought her much happiness. Claudette's sisters, with Dana, and baby Bennett faithfully came every week for several months to surround her with their love and share stories of their lives. Claudette was an elegant, classy lady and will be missed. She inspired people by her faith in them; always encouraging people to chase their dreams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the College of Art or Architecture at the University of Arizona or to your favorite charity. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, September 16, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ. 520-327-6341.