Obituary of Eileen Mary Anne BARRY (nee Becker)

May 7, 1930 – Mayerthorpe, Alberta
December 14, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with sadness yet relief that we announce the passing of Eileen Barry on Monday, December 14, 2020 at the age of 90 years. She suffered great pain for the last portion of her life and is now resting peacefully.

Eileen was accomplished and touched the lives of many people. Along with having eight children, she fostered two boys in the 1960’s. This led to her passion of changing the foster child program in Alberta. In 1967 Eileen went to university, graduating with her Masters in Social Work. She went to work for the Alberta Government in protection and apprehensions, and later adoptions. She was instrumental in working with Charlene Prickett to start up the Wednesday’s Child Program (a program for placing older children often with disabilities) and teaching parents about adopting older children. This was rewarding for her and she was proud of her accomplishments. She also was instrumental in having an Independent Advocate for children. Eileen loved to read, play bridge, and fish. She would go fishing with her best friend Fran to the backcountry and they had many great adventures together. She loved Arizona and went every year as long as she was able. In her later years, Eileen liked to take on causes, such as campaigning for a “Seniors Independent Advocate”. She boldly wrote letters of advocacy to all levels of government. In 2012 she wrote and published her life story. For the past few years, Eileen lived at Age Care Glenmore where she was on the residents' committee. She was very well taken care of, loved and happy there. Eileen was loved by many and left a lasting memory to all. She was a strong, determined lady and her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren. Those who knew her were blessed.

Eileen is survived by six children, Patrick (Susan Purcell) Barry, Raymond (Rhonda) Barry, Keith (Janet) Barry, Barb (Steve) Proudler, Brenda (Robert) Martin, and Allan (Beth Holbrook) Barry. She also is survived by her sister Edna Roy, sister-in-law Margaret Becker, twenty grandchildren and their spouses, thirty-nine great-grandchildren with one more arriving in March, and two great-great-grandchildren. Eileen was predeceased by her children, Daniel David and Bernadette Marie; her brothers, Raymond Becker and Robert Becker, and her many good friends.

A Funeral Service will be held for 10 attendees, on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm. All others are invited to join Eileen’s service streamed live at https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/32142/Eileen-BARRY-nee-Becker/obituary.html#tribute-start on the day of the service. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed on here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

In living memory of Eileen Barry, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.