Barbara M "Liberty" Bara

Barbara M Bara (Liberty), 86, of Burlington VT, passed away after a long and fulfilling life on Sunday, September 21, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. It brings great comfort knowing that she is finally reunited with her husband of 57 years, Thomas, and daughter Michelle.

Barb was born June 29th, 1939, the daughter of Edward and Evelyn (Santor) Liberty. She was raised in the Old North End of Burlington with her 10 siblings and graduated from Burlington High School in 1957. Following graduation, she married her life partner, Thomas Bara, on August 13th, 1960. She dedicated her life to her family and went on raising her three children, Michelle, Thomas, and Shawn. She was a bingo enthusiast and avid gardener throughout her life, known for her spunk and witty remarks.

Of all the things Barb was to us on earth, her devotion to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren was unmatched. She was so proud of the generations she helped create, and she loved being a grandmother. Our families' fondest memories are the summers we spent together by the pool in Mimi and Papa's backyard and huddling around their kitchen for holidays and birthdays.

Barb leaves behind her 2 loving sons and their wives, Thomas (Cathy) Bara and Shawn (Heather) Bara and her ex-daughter in law Jessica Flemming. She was the proud and adoring Mimi to Jourdan and Matthew Cherrier, Joshua (Amanda) Bara, Justin (Lai) Bara, Addyson (Deli) Nunez, Ashlee Fitzgerald, Kelsey (Jackson) Dandridge, and Logan Bara. Step grandchildren, Christina Stowe (Robert), William Stowe, and Rosemary (Austin) Mayo. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, who loved and adored her, Braxton, Raegan, Lyla, Emersyn, Taylen, Ryan, Luca, and Jovi. Step great- grandchildren Reese, Harlow, Sterling, Hudson, Wade and Haven.

In addition, Barb leaves behind siblings, Ronnie Brigham, Carlene (Robert) Deguise, Donald "Butch" Liberty (Sue Chicoine), Paul (Bonnie) Liberty, David (Barb) Liberty and Anne Chicoine.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H Bara, daughter, Michelle Bara- Cunninham, and her husband, Gary Cunningham, siblings Leon "Skinhead" Liberty, Robert Liberty, Theresa Bogue and Sandra Bushell.

We welcome all those who loved Barb (Mimi) to join us for a celebration of life on Saturday October 18th, from 12-4pm, at the Elks Club on North Ave in Burlington.

Finally, the care she received from Birchwood Terrace was greatly appreciated by our family. To the staff that cared for her, we cannot thank you enough for all you have done to make her living conditions and end of life care very special ….