Mary “Shirley” (Howell) Barrett, 98, passed away on January 3, 2024, at her Wyomissing residence, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Barrett. They married on June 26, 1947, and shared 73 years together.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late George and Hellen (Coyle) Howell. Mary attended Hanover Township High School. After graduating, she followed her passion of helping others and attended a nursing program at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Mary worked as a Cadet Nurse in the U.S. Army during World War II. During her time as a nurse, she also worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading.

Mary will be remembered for her love for her family. She cherished getting together every Sunday for dinners, and game nights. You would not see her without one of her grandchildren on her lap. She also enjoyed going to the family cottage on the Maiden Creek, as well as taking trips to the beach.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Patricia Gombos (Ray), David Barrett (Tracy-Lynn), Joseph Barrett (Jean), Mary Elizabeth Barrett, Kathleen Hill (Jere Fuhrman), Christine Kucenski (Steve); her 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Mary (Shirley) was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 2020, and her son-in-law Steve Kucenski in 2018.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 9, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church 2600 St Albans Dr, Reading, PA 19609. The viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Barrett family.