Frances “Fran” Donelan Barr
Frances “Fran” Donelan Barr was born on January 19th, 1928 and died on January 9th, 2018 while in the care of Little Flower Manor in Darby, PA.
For over five years, her dearest hope was to be reunited with her loving husband Roy in heaven and that prayer has been answered. The end of her life was brought about by dementia, a cross she has carried for over 10 years with dignity and grace. Fran leaves a legacy of courage, love, and strength for her family and many friends to strive to emulate.
She was preceded in death by husband Roy S. Barr; by her parents and 7 siblings. She is survived by her sons, Stephen (Diane), Christopher (Patricia), Thomas Barr (Virginia), and daughter Therese Schrecengost (Bob) and 11 grandchildren and 1 greatgrandchild. Fran grew up in Fitchburg, MA, the seventh of the eleven children of Irish immigrants John and Sarah Donelan. She was the first in her family to graduate from College as she worked her way through Our Lady of The Elms College in Chicopee, MA, earning a BS in English and lifelong friends. Like all Donelans, Fran could never pass up a pun – funny or otherwise!
While working for the CIA in Washington, DC, Fran met the love of her life Roy Barr. She raised four children and was active in countless activities for them. While Roy worked long hours to advance his career to provide for the family, Fran created a warm, loving home where her family felt loved and safe. She was a gracious and accommodating host to anyone who came into her home.
After her children left home, she worked with adult literacy programs, providing help for families with special needs children, being active in book clubs, and participating in the lives of her grandchildren. Even as dementia robbed her of her memories, her sweet temperament and concern for others remained.
Fran and Roy shared a great love during their 58 years together. They enjoyed taking their grandchild for trips around the eastern United States and even Western Europe. They loved visiting relatives, new places and friends. They treated their entire family to the “Birthday of a Life Time” in Italy for Roy’s 70th Birthday. Fran enjoyed her years at Maris Grove and the many friends they made there. The entire Barr family is grateful for the support and care she received at Sunrise at Granite Run and final care she received at Little Flower Manor in Darby, PA.
A viewing is being held on Friday, January 12 from 10 to 11 at St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church, 630 Providence Road, Wallingford PA and will be followed by an 1100 AM Funeral Mass.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Elms College Foundation or Hope Partnership for Education.