Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Josephine Barrett Obituary

Josephine Barrett
On November 19, 2020 Jo Barrett of Fairfield entered into eternal rest, passing away at home surrounded by her niece, Maureen DeSantie, and her husband Mike DeGrego, exceptional Caregiver Danuta "Donna" Munia, and lovely Hospice Nurse, Janie. Everyone loved Jo and all nieces, nephews, cousins and friends were with her in spirit and prayer as she passed. Jo was born and raised in Bridgeport to (all following predeceased her) her parents, John D. Barrett and Ruth Perkins Barrett, with her 3 brothers; Roy (Felsa) Barrett, John (Columbia) Barrett, sister-in-law Peg Barrett, Richard (Ginger) Barrett, and her younger sister, Ada (James) Barrett DeSantie. They had great stories growing up visiting with her grandparents Elmer Perkins and Jenny Curtis Perkins and her mom, Ruth's 14 siblings in Litchfield, CT on a farm. Jo was 6th generation Connecticut Yankee. Jo was an extraordinary woman, far ahead of her time. She was very strong, independent and very holy. She loved to travel and flew all over the world with her single friends Bea, Ann and others from work. Just to name a few places: Italy, UK, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Dubrovnik, Russia, Netherlands, South America, etc. Too many to name. Jo loved meeting people in different countries but she was most proud of meeting Pope Saint John XXIII. Jo was extremely clever and had a great sense of humor. She took a keen interest in everyone she met but she loved her family so much. Jo was a HOMEFRONT HERO during WWII while her brothers were away in combat, she was praying for them; supporting her family and enduring sacrifices imposed by governmental RATIONING of goods and services for the war effort. As a single woman in 1961, she purchased her own home in Fairfield, a day and age when woman didn't do that very often. She invited her mother and father to live out their lives in her home and she cared for them until the day they died at home. She also welcomed her sister, Ada, to live with her after Ada's husband died. They were best friends and did everything together. When Ada developed dementia Jo cared for her at home for almost 15 years. Jo loved her brothers too. Roy stopped by to visit her every day of his life. She also loved all of her siblings' children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." Mother Teresa. Jo worked at Norden Systems, Perkin Elmer, and in between, for her brother-in-law, James DeSantie, at Banner Retreading Company. Jo worked on the Hubble telescope which allowed her to personally meet the astronaut, John Glenn. Jo enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of the UCONN Huskies Girls. If you're inviting Aunt Jo, plan it around the girls schedule otherwise she wouldn't attend, LOL. Jo, along with her cousins Linda McMaster and Bev Huntley, who shared her passion for the girls basketball, had many phone calls back and forth assessing the team before and after each game. Jo has Gino's picture hanging up in her living room with cousin, Susan Barrett. Jo used to attend the Fairfield Stags and was a loyal fan of The New York Mets and went games at Shea Stadium. Jo was an athlete herself and never missed a chance at the Volley Ball net at our annual Family Reunions at Lt. Owen Fish Park in Fairfield and walks at the family cottage at Lake Candlewood. Jo was very holy and loved our Lord Jesus Christ with all of her heart and soul. She was a nun without the habit. Auntie Jo, you will always be in our hearts - we loved you and you loved us in a very special way. You modeled the way by living your faith. Although your Congestive Heart Failure did get the best of you, your mind was strong right until the end of your life, God blessed you with that. As you entered into home Hospice care on January 24, 2020, you were cared for in an exceptional way by Danuta "Donna" Munia from Polish Helping Hands, LLC. She was a blessing and exceeded our expectations. Her magnanimous efforts were greatly appreciated and she made a killer omelet!! Donna, thank you isn't enough for all that you did for Jo. When Jo was released from the hospital on January 24 they expected her to live another 4-6 weeks and thanks to the great care by Donna and Connecticut Hospice nurses, Georgia, Nancy, Janie and SW Melissa, you lived another 10 MONTHS!!!! Jo said: "You are all angels without wings." She felt that way about the staff at the Emergency room at Bridgeport Hospital too. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. directly at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, CT 06824. Guests will be required to wear a face mask or covering and practice social distancing. Interment will follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Memorial contributions in Jo's name may be directed to St. Pius X Church. For travel directions or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on Nov. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Barrett

Sponsored by Lesko Funeral Home, Preplanning, and Cremation Services - Fairfield.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Danuta Munia

Sent Flowers

Joseph Boccamazzo

November 22, 2020

To Josephine Famillia
Josephine was a very nice and caring person I used to see her shopping at Stop and Shop in Fairfield all the time we talked often
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
God Bless
Rip Josephine

Susan Barrett

November 21, 2020

Cousin Jo was a woman of faith, family, friends and fun. She had a special way to make everyone feel special. So many family memories we will cherish. I can recall her favorite times at Chip's and Luigi's. She set an example for all of us. May she be at peace.

Robert Gomulski

November 20, 2020

I worked with Josephine at Perkin Elmer .She was a great caring person!

The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home

November 20, 2020

Offering our sympathies at this time.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Josephine Barrett's name

Memorial Events
for Josephine Barrett

Nov

24

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

St. Pius X Church

834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, CT

Nov

24

Interment

Mountain Grove Cemetery

Bridgeport, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Lesko Funeral Home, Preplanning, and Cremation Services - Fairfield

1209 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824

How to support Josephine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Josephine Barrett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more