Margaret A Barry, LICSW

On December 30, 2019 Margaret A. Barry of Westfield, Ma. Passed away at the age of 76 after a hard-fought battle with dementia. Margaret dedicated her life to helping others. She grew up in Cortland, NY with her brother Franklyn, daughter of Mildred and Franklyn S. Barry. With a strong value on education, she first received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester in 1965, a master’s in education from Syracuse University in 1967, and a Master’s in Social Work from “The” Ohio State University in 1975. Margaret entered the academy of certified social workers in 1977. She was the first person licensed at an independent level in the state of Ohio in 1986. She maintained her license throughout her years of employment and her private practice in South Hadley which was her true joy of working with her clients on a one to one basis. Margaret’s focus on social work and addiction brought her some amazing experiences touring and speaking with her friends Betty Ford and Kenny G. She helped countless people, and saving lives through her work and dedication with child welfare services, through clinics, and her private practice, in South Hadley and Northampton, which was her pride and joy. With her education in psychotherapy and her roles in Hospital Administration at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus Ohio, and as Vice President of behavior health services at Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke, Ma. Margaret resided at Armbrook Village for 6 years with her infamous cat Peanut. Margaret made many friends there and was well taken care of by the staff. Margaret enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, shopping, woodworking, including building a boat with her Father. She spent many weekends bicycling from South Hadley to Boston with friends. She was a loving, loyal and caring friend to many in Columbus Ohio, and Western Mass. She is survived by her older brother Franklyn and his wife Ann and her nieces and nephew. Allison, Kevin, and Kathleen. She will be sadly missed by her caregivers of 6 years, Lauren and Rick Baldarelli, Donna Jones, Denise Williams, Melissa Perry, and Amber Hoffman. Calling hours will be held on Saturday January 11th from 12 noon till 1 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either Cortland Enlarged City School District, Attention - Superintendent, Michael Hoose. In memorial of Margaret A. Barry, LICSW - General Fund 1 Valley View Drive, Cortland, New York. 13045 or Alzheimer’s Association. Firtionadams.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret A Barry, LICSW, please visit our floral store.