Esther Marie Barrett

Esther Marie Barrett passed away quietly at Borgess Medical Center on April 30, 2016. She was born to Garry and Bertha (Bayer) Barrett in Kalamazoo where she resided entirely. At the onset of the great depression Esther’s father died unexpectedly and she at a very early age shared the duties of raising her younger brother with her widowed mother for several years. She even helped out with little brothers (Dermot) band; The Bud Barrett Orchestra before WWII. Esther graduated from St. Augustine High School and Maher’s Business College; she was hired into the cadet program of WWII by Borgess School of Nursing and worked in administration for 20 years. Esther retired after 23 more years at Pediatrics PC also in Kalamazoo, after retirement she spent 19 years in sacristan work at St. Augustine. Throughout her life she enjoyed travel in USA, Europe and Africa, entertaining her young niece and nephews, baking, sewing, and gardening. Esther will be missed by all that knew her strong will and kind soul. Especially missed by her close friend Fr. Tom Fernando, and of course her little dog Juliette “Julie” with whom she spent much of her later times. Esther cherished her visits from Paulette “Paula” Turbide who so graciously helped her after her 90th birthday milestone and to this day. Most significant in the life of Esther was her devotion to God, her church and the Barrett family. She shared a home and cared for her aunt and mother until their respective deaths to which she will be laid to rest alongside at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. She was a life-long member of St. Augustine Cathedral, received the Beene-Merenti Diploma from Pope Benedict through Bishop Murray in 2005 and has generously supported Catholic missions in Kalamazoo and abroad. Because of her belief in the value of faith based education she asked that monetary contributions be made to St. Augustine School for All. More importantly Esther would tell you “get yourself in church” which is her enduring heart’s desire. Esther Marie “Aunt EM” will be joining her brother’s Dermot Arthur “Bud” Barrett in heaven very soon and is survived by her niece and nephews: Joel, Andy, Chris, Therese, Greg and her little dog “Julie”. Friends will be received Wednesday May 4, 2016 6-8 pm with a Rosary at 7:30 pm at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East G. Ave. Parchment, MI 269-349-7735. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, May 6, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net