Vera M. Barker

1930 - 2021

Vera M. Barker, of Wrentham, died peacefully and naturally on July 12th, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late William H. Barker, Jr., Clerk-Magistrate of the District Court of Western Norfolk, Wrentham, MA. Ret.

Born May 15th, 1930 in Peterborough, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Evelyn (Powers) Cashion.

Vera shared 68 years of marriage with "Bill", the love of her life. They met in New Hampshire. She had heard of a baseball player from Boston who was visiting her hometown. They spent the first ten years together in Bill's hometown, Boston. She loved the excitement of the big city life in Boston, but eventually settled in Franklin in 1961, where the raised their four children until they moved to Wrentham in 1983.

Vera's fondest memories were always with her family whether it was on Cape Cod; Jensen Beach, Florida; or at home on the lake. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and the list of people she met and became friends with is a long and cherished one.

Vera was very active in local, state and national politics. She was also active in the Franklin school department, pioneering the initiative that brought special education into the school systems of Massachusetts. She was a talented seamstress, sewing everything from school clothes, to Mohair coats and gowns. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved horse Sunder and German Shepard Otto. Vera lived her life taking care of her family and friends and always found good in everyone she met. She will truly, truly be missed.

Vera is survived by her children; Deborah Byron of Wrentham, MA; William H. Barker III and Violet of Hawaii; Joseph Barker and his wife Karen of Rehoboth, MA; and Frederick Barker and his wife Valerie of Cumberland, RI; three grandchildren, Aaron Byron, Christopher Barker and Charline Barker; and three great-grandchildren, Jake Schindler, Hoot Byron, and Benjamin Barker. She is also the mother-in-law of the late Anthony Byron. In addition, Vera is survived by her sister Nancy (Bridget) Wachter and her husband Irwin of CA; and Beverly Cashion Grimes of AZ.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, July 16th from 4 PM - 7 PM in the RJ Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street, Wrentham, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 17th at 10 AM in St. Mary's Parish, 1 Church Square, Franklin. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Online guestbook may be found at rjrossfuneralhomeinc.com.