Alma Chalmers Barron

MASHPEE — Alma Chalmers Barron, resident of Mashpee, formerly of Alexandria, Va., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in the JML Care Center in Falmouth after a very full life, cherished by her family and friends.

Alma, a career Army officer's wife, raised a family of four in military bases around the world, including Germany and the Philippines, and dedicated thousands of hours to community service in every community where she lived.

An artist and poet, Alma touched many lives with her writing, composing and editing newsletters for organizations she was involved with for more than 30 years.

Her affiliations include the American Red Cross, Army Engineer Officers Wives' Club, Army Community Service and the Women's Club of New Seabury.

Alma is survived by her husband of 53 years, Patrick V. Barron of Mashpee; four children, Patricia Barron Lynch Smith of Tewksbury, John P. Barron and wife, Pamela O. Barron, of Fairfax Station, Va., D. Michael Barron and partner Jose M. Lopez, of Los Angeles, and Elizabeth A. Barron of Waterville, Maine; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Chiacchia; brother-in-law, J. William Clark Sr.; beloved niece, Beverly Petrie and beloved nephew, J. William Clark Jr.; and numerous dearly loved nieces and nephews. Alma was predeceased by her sister, Virginia Clark.

Visiting hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 74 Algonquin Ave., at Route 151, Mashpee, MA 02649.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, in Christ the King Church, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.

For online obituary, guest book and directions, please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.