Published in the January 15, 2018 edition.
READING — It is with great sadness that the family of JoAnne Eloise (Budd) Barrett, 85, of Reading, formerly of Wakefield, announces her sudden and unexpected passing on January 1, 2018. Born December 4, 1932 in Abington, and raised in Holbrook, JoAnne graduated top of her class from Holbrook High School in 1950. She was a proud graduate of the New England Baptist School of Nursing Class of 1953.
In 1961 she married the late John E. Barrett, settling in Wakefield, where they raised their three daughters. JoAnne’s career as a nurse was one of her proudest achievements and included years as charge nurse at the New England Baptist Hospital as well as both school and camp nursing positions. She enjoyed giving medical advice and care to everyone around her. Her varied career path also led her to many years as a real estate agent for Century 21 and a number of years as a member of the Wakefield Traffic Supervisors. She was a member of the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, singing tenor in the choir, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, and enjoying the United Methodist Women’s group.
With her husband she created the “famous” Ham & Bean Supper which served the church and surrounding community for over 15 years. She and John enjoyed 48 years of marriage. Her infectious laugh, love of card games and the Red Sox, mysteries, no-nonsense life view, and gift of friendship to anyone, will lovingly live on in her children and grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Debra E. Consorti, her husband Robert, and their children Sophie, Joseph, Meghan, and John of Wilmington; daughter Lisa A. Barrett Miller, her husband Peter and their children Nicholas and Matthew of Reading; and daughter Susan E. Brown and her daughter Kendall of Reading.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street, Wakefield. A ham and bean supper will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
