In Memoriam: Deirdre E. Morrissey-Barrett

Our dear friend Deirdre Morrissey-Barrett passed away last night after a year of battling cancer.  She was 43 years old.  WWHP steering committee members will remember Deirdre’s efforts in helping to plan Women 2000.  She shared her valuable skills with us in the early years of the project, helping us to market the weekend celebration of the 150th anniversary of the National Woman’s Rights Convention.  Deirdre later served on the steering committee (2004-07), as co-chair of the grants committee, helping to secure grants to ensure that the Project would continue.

Deirdre lived a life full of passion and was resolute in her commitment to several causes, particularly WWHP and the League of Women Voters.  We will miss her deeply, but feel grateful for her years of service and beautiful friendship.

Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette on May 22, 2010

Deirdre E. Morrissey-Barrett, 43, wife of Joseph Barrett of Clinton, MA, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on May 20, 2010 at her home which she shared with her husband of eight years and their dog, Zoey.

Deirdre was the youngest daughter of John J. Morrissey and Ann (Mooney) Morrissey Biggins both of Shrewsbury, MA. She graduated Shrewsbury High School in 1985, Assumption College in 1995, and received her Masters degree in Political Management from George Washington University in 1997. Deirdre was a partner at Baesis, Inc., an Information Technology and Solutions company based in Northborough, MA. She was an active member of the Worcester Women's History Project and the League of Women Voters/Worcester, MA.

Deirdre is survived by her husband, Joe; her father, John J. (Cathleen Crider) Morrissey and was predeceased by her mother, Ann (Mooney) Morrissey Biggins. She is also survived by her step-father, Thomas J. Biggins, Jr.; her six siblings: Marie (John) Woodward of Rotterdam, NY, Peggy (Ed) Miller of Hollywood, FL, John (Michelle) Morrissey of Auburn, MA, Miles (Deirdre) Shea Morrissey of Easthampton, MA, Ellen Broadhurst of Easthampton, MA, and Denise (Robert) Riggs of Easthampton, MA; and her eight nieces and nephews, Jack and Grace Woodward, Lexi Miller, Angela Morrissey, Samantha Vielmas, Conor and Anna Morrissey, and Liam Broadhurst.

She is also survived by the loving, supportive and generous extended Mooney, Keenan, Layden, LaVigne, Morrissey, Biggins, Barrett, Bilodeau families and many dear friends who cared for her in body and soul throughout her long illness.

The Barrett and Morrissey families welcome friends and loved one's to celebrate Deidre's life in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. on Sunday May 23rd from 4 p.m – 7 p.m. The memorial service will be held on Monday May 24th at 10:30 a.m at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Worcester, MA.

The family wishes to thank the Oncology staff at UMASS for their caring and support.

The family also requests no flowers. Memorial gifts may be made to UMass Pancreas Program (55 Lake Ave North, S3-752, Worcester, MA 01655) or www.umassmed.edu/pancreas