Kathleen Ellen Barrett

Kathleen Ellen Barrett “Kathy,” 64, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2007. She was born on July 30, 1943 in Ayer, Massachusetts, the third daughter of Elzear and Margaret Gionet and was one of seven children. She was a dedicated, long time employee of the JC Penney Company and retired in 2004 after nearly 30 years of service as a top performing salesperson with many honors and accolades achieved throughout her career. Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend to many people and wanted everyone to remember the times they shared with her with fondness, joy, and happiness. She and her Jack, her husband of 37 years, lived a full and very happy life together that included many exciting trips and unique places of residence including Hawaii, Maryland, and Florida. She was best remembered for sharing a smile and always found the special meaning in all situations, often creating more joy as she went along. Kathy wasn’t the type to restrain her thoughts and feelings and always made those around her feel especially loved, wanted, and important. She especially loved to collect Elephants, Clowns, and Cardinals, and enjoyed watching and collecting them in her spare time. She was also very active in her church and had one of the greenest thumbs we’ve ever seen. Her smile and spirit were undeniable and we will all miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Gionet, her father Elzear Gionet, a brother John Gionet and a sister Elizabeth Sidlau and is survived by her husband John M. Barrett, her children Denise McCarty and John M. Barrett Jr., her grandchildren Jacqueline and Natashia McCarty, and her brothers and sisters: Joseph Gionet of Blaine, MN, Sylvia Gionet of Sun City West, AZ, Jeff Gionet of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Mary Crawford of Palatka, FL. She passed in relative peace after a long battle with lung cancer which began in February 2006. She never gave up and was positive until the end. Sometimes it was hard to remember the battle she was waging and she never spoke words or showed evidence of self pity. The family wishes to invite all who knew Kathy to come honor and celebrate her life at a Memorial Vigil officiated by Father Donal Sullivan on Thursday, December 20, from 6-8pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 Hwy 17 S, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Additionally, a Memorial Mass officiated by Father Donal Sullivan will be held on Friday, December 21 at 10am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to give something make donations in Kathy’s honor to: The Council of Catholic Women at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Northeast Florida Community Hospice, and the American Cancer Society. Her burial services are to be held in the near future during a private ceremony. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring Street, Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.