Mary Ann Barrows

Mary Ann (MacDonald) Barrows

Mary Ann Barrows, aged 92, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023, in Plantation, FL. Born on December 11, 1930, in Newton, MA, Mary was the loving daughter of Colin and Myrtle (Ross) MacDonald.

Mary was known for her humble and kind nature. She was a devoted and loving wife to her late husband, George Barrows, whom she married in April of 1956. They made their home in Burlington, MA where they lived happily for 36 years making life long friendships with many neighbors. Together, they raised their three children, Paul, Richard, and Anne Marie.

In her early years, Mary attended a Catholic School in Newton and later transferred to Lexington Public School at the end of her first grade. She graduated from Lexington High School in the class of 1949. During her senior year, Mary worked in the office at Lexington High, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

After high school, Mary began her professional journey as a secretary in Boston. She would commute by bus, train, and subway to her workplace in Back Bay. Later, she and her sister worked at Raytheon, where their father would drop them off on his way to work.

In 1957, Mary left her job to focus on raising her family. She dedicated her time to volunteering in her children's schools and providing them with a loving and nurturing environment. As her children grew older, Mary briefly worked at a local computer company. In her later years, she and her husband became snowbirds, splitting their time between Hampton Beach, New Hampshire and Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida.

Mary loved to read and enjoyed watching movies. She was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. In her youth, Mary and George enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends.

Mary will be deeply missed by her children: Paul Barrows (Nadia) of Florida, Richard Barrows of New Hampshire and Florida, Anne Clarke (Adam) of Maine, and her grandchildren: Amy Murgo (Bobby), Laura Balestrieri, Bryan Barrows (Shay), Charlize Barrows, Colin Clarke, and Katie Clarke. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Hayden and Austin Murgo, Brady and Autumn Balestrieri. Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Barrows and cousin Kaye MacLellan, many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Barrows, her granddaughter Kerry Anne Clarke, her parents Colin and Myrtle MacDonald, her sister Margaret Barrows and husband Bill, her sister-in-law Mary Geoffrion and husband Paul, her brother-in-law Tom Barrows, and her sister in law Margaret Nix and husband John.

A Mass will be held in remembrance of Mary on January 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Sunrise, FL. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at The South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, following Mass, 12:30 PM. The T. M. Ralph Funeral Home, Sunrise, FL will be assisting with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mary’s memory be made to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102.

May Mary Ann Barrows rest in eternal peace, forever cherished in the hearts of her loved ones.