Betty Claire Barry

Barry, Betty Claire
A love letter from Gene Barry for his beloved wife, Betty... My wife- my love, Betty, has died. Our lives have been spent together for 58 years. We were married in New York in 1944. Both of us, young actors in the theatre. When I met her, she had just finished appearing as a young actress with Ethel Barrymore in "The Corn is Green." And I, after appearing for two years in "Rosalinda", met Betty backstage during the run of "Catherine Was Great," in which I was playing opposite Mae West, as one of the young lovers. Betty and I fell in love almost immediately. I was going to appear in an out of town try out of Julie Styne and Sammy Cahn's first attempt at a Broadway musical, "Glad To See You." I wanted her to come on the road with me, but morals were different in those days. So I asked her to marry me... she said yes. We had a beautiful wedding and we left on the road together. Unfortunately, the show closed before we opened on Broadway. We have lived, suffered and enjoyed a very meaningful and wonderful marriage together for 58 years. We have three children, Michael, the eldest, F. James and Elizabeth, whom we all know as Liza, and three wonderful grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica and Taylor. Betty was the kind of person who emanated love and caring for all people, always concerned with the needs of others. Over the years, she gave her time and devotion to the Beverly Hills Library and other charities. She was a gifted sculptress, but always minimized her own talents. Her family and friends feel that she could have enjoyed a brilliant career if she had so chosen. We all tried to get her to go forward in that direction, but she chose to be a wonderful wife, mother and my greatest devoted friend. All of us who knew her, and those of us who love her, will all miss her terribly. Betty was born February 12, 1923 and passed away peacefully, January 31, 2003. Services will be held at noon, Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at Hillside Memorial Park. Hillside Mortuary (800)576-1994