Fort Lee, NJ, New Jersey - Mary Barbara Perry, age 76, and most recently of Fort Lee, New Jersey, passed away on August 31, 2023, after a brief illness. Known to many as "Barbara," she was born on April 9, 1947, in Bangor, Maine, to Wilfred and Margaret Perry (Ward) and grew up in Hampden, ME. She attended St. Mary's Grammar School and John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor.

Barbara was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Perry Frazier; her brother-in-law, Peter Frazier; and her brothers, Billy and Philip. She is survived by her niece, Molly (husband, Nate, children, Francis and Maisie); her nephews, Bill and Chris (wife, Sarah, children, Samantha and Conor,); her sister-in-law, Donna Perry; as well as many cousins; and longtime devoted friend from college, Pamela Smyth Baker.

Barbara was a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono. She began her career in education after moving to Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned a Master of Education from UMass Boston. She taught in the Boston Public Schools system for more than 30 years. In addition to her career in Boston, Barbara participated in several education abroad opportunities by teaching in Mexico, South Korea, and China. She traveled extensively throughout her life, seeing the world and making friends along the way.

During her many years living in Charlestown, MA, Barbara served as president of the Friends of Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library and as President of the City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library. Barbara was very active in the Appalachian Mountain Club, as she loved being outdoors, walking, hiking or admiring gardens. After she retired from teaching, Barbara's affinity for museums and artwork led her to pursue a master's degree in Museum Studies from Harvard University. In 2012, she left Boston to embark on her next adventure which brought her to Fort Lee, NJ. While living so close to the Big Apple, Barbara was able to pursue her passions: exploring the city, visiting museums, and attending Broadway shows. Among her many interests, Barbara loved wine and cheese, hosting dinner parties in her historic and charming Charlestown home and garden, and visiting family, friends and their pets. She was a true adventurer, with an indomitable spirit for new experiences.

Barbara will be laid to rest with her family in Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery in Bangor, the summer of 2024. A small committal service will be held. Donations in her memory can be made to any of her volunteer organizations, or animal rescue leagues.