Lena Barry

Lena D. (Cimato) Barry, 95, of Worcester died peacefully on Thursday November 22, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of nearly 60 years, James E. Barry, State Building Inspector, died in 2000. Lena leaves her devoted family, Ann Marie Gribbons and her husband Thomas of Worcester, Jeanne Barton and her husband Robert of West Boylston, Patricia Riggieri and her husband Robert, and Kathleen Hacker and her husband Roger all of Worcester. Lena also leaves her son-in-law Richard Barbieri of Worcester, a brother Joseph Cimato of Florida, and a sister-in-law Virginia Cimato. Lena was the proud grandmother to Rachel, Jamie, Melissa, Robbie, Leah, Marc, Jessica, Robert, Tara, Bryan and Ryan. She was so happy having eleven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Lena was predeceased by her daughter Eileen Barbieri, her brothers Carlo and Patsy, and her sisters, Mary Sieurin, and Julie Lapomardo.

Born in Worcester, Lena was the daughter of the late Antonio and Josephine (Flaminio) Cimato, and has lived here all her life. She was a graduate of Commerce High School and attended Clark University. After graduation, she traveled with her husband to various military bases across the country in support of the war effort. Upon returning to Worcester, Lena worked as a Special Investigator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General's Office in Boston for many years. She was highly active in politics at the local, state and federal levels. She served three terms as Worcester Election Commissioner, and on various boards and commissions in the city and county.

Lena was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Loreto Parish, and a proud member of the Sons of Italy, Worcester Lodge # 168, where she held many offices and chaired countless functions over the years. She received the Sons of Italy Achievement Award in 1991 for her contributions to the country, Commonwealth and community. In 1992, she was named Democrat of the Year by the Worcester City Committee, and was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award. Lena also was honored with several “Keys to the City,” most recently at her 95^th birthday celebration. She was a member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, Brown Square Civic Society, Clearview Country Club, and the Wampum Club at Foxwoods. Lena had a zest for life: she enjoyed golf, trips to the casino, cooking, and watching the Red Sox. She was a tireless volunteer for Catholic Charities and also an organizer for Worcester's annual Italian Festival. Although she was always busy, her most treasured times were with her loving family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lena will be sadly missed by her family, extended family and many friends.

The Barry Family would like to thank all of Lena’s home healthcare aides, whom she affectionately called “her angels,” and extend a sincere thanks to Ruthann Melancon for her dedicated care and compassion over the past few years.

Lena’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 28, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00AM in the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, 34 Massasoit Rd. Visiting hours to remember and honor Lena will be held on Tuesday from 5PM to 7PM in the funeral home. Interment with her husband will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lena may be made to the Sons of Italy Lodge # 168 for their scholarship program: P.O. Box 2371 Worcester MA. 01613. To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Lena please visit her memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com.