Corinne Barry Obituary

Corinne Ruth (Pottier) Barry, 97, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side after a joyful long life filled with family, friendship, faith and community. Born on April 27, 1928, in Lynn, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of Lawrence and Angela (d’Entremont) Pottier and the devoted sister of Norman Pottier who all passed before her.

Corinne married the love of her life, John (Jack) A. Barry, a WWII Canadian veteran, and they shared 33 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 1999. Together with their daughters, they lived in Westwood and summered in Pocasset, where they built a vibrant life together. In 1975, Corinne and Jack co-founded Canada Lumber Ltd. Inc., a successful lumber brokerage they ran as a team for over 30 years.

She is survived by her cherished daughters, Denise Brian and her husband, Robert, of Ridgefield, CT, and Michelle Barry of Marina Bay in Quincy, MA. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Melissa Vara (Nicholas) of Boston, Caroline Brian of NYC, and Jennifer Brian (fiancé Jacob Snyder) of NYC. Corinne’s family was the center of her world, and she delighted in their accomplishments, adventures, and time together in Marina Bay, Ridgefield, Humarock, Boston, NYC and Pocasset.

In her early years, Corinne attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lynn, MA and the Burdett Secretarial School. She held top secretarial positions at General Electric’s Measurement Laboratory in West Lynn. She was a founding member of GE’s S-Skimos Ski Club in Jackson, NH, and traveled extensively to ski across Europe.

After marrying Jack, Corinne became an active member of St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church in Westwood, where she served as Sodality President and taught CCD. She also led Girl Scout troops—including a memorable trip to Bermuda. Jack’s military background inspired many trips to France, Holland, England, and Belgium, where they commemorated D-Day in Normandy and built lifelong international friendships and even had tea with Queen Elizabeth. A natural leader and community builder, she served as President of the Westwood Evening Garden Club, President the Westwood Stock Club and President of the Women’s Guild at St. John’s in Pocasset when she moved there upon their retirement. Her generous spirit and tireless efforts were recognized with the Fall River Council Award, honoring her service to the community.

An avid reader, skilled crafter (knitting, quilting, creweling, & rug hooking), talented bridge player, and enthusiastic church fair volunteer, Corinne found joy in simple pleasures and meaningful connections. Her family joked that she could talk to anyone who would listen, and she was a wonderful story-teller/conversationalist. She loved the ocean and spent countless happy days at Hen’s Cove in Pocasset with her dear friends—the "Beach Mothers"—always with a book or conversation close at hand. She was a lover of lobster rolls and once ate them for lunch a week straight.

Corinne also held deep love for her extended family of 58 nieces and nephews and her many brothers- and sisters-in-laws on the North Shore and in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The bonds she shared with her Canadian family and her French Nova Scotia roots remained strong throughout her life, enriched by laughter, reunions, and a shared sense of heritage and love.

Known fondly as the "Pink Lady" always wearing Lily Pulitzer, at Brookdale Assisted Living, where she spent her final year, Corinne brought warmth and joy to those around her. In her later years, she loved scoping out tea rooms with her granddaughters, watching Hallmark movies and the Food Network; her favorite chef was Bobby Flay and was thrilled when she went to one of his restaurants in NYC.

Corinne leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting impact. Her grace, wit, friendship and generosity will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family is indebted to her unwavering love and guidance.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood, on Monday July 7th from 9am – 10:30am. Following the Visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St. Westwood at 11am. In honor of Corinne’s zest for life, please wear bright happy colors to celebrate her legacy. Interment will be at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Corinne’s memory to St. Mary’s School in Lynn, MA (stmaryslynn.com/give-online).