WILMINGTON, MA — Arlene L. (King) Barrett, age 74, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 20, 2017.
Arlene was born on April 24, 1943 in Malden, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Michael and Jean (Brown) King. Arlene was raised in Malden and graduated Malden High School with the Class of 1961. Following graduation, Arlene attended the Nursing School at the Whidden Memorial Hospital, where she graduated as President of her class in 1965.
After graduating from the Nursing School, Arlene started her career at Whidden Hospital. With her hard work and dedication, she quickly became the Staff Head Nurse at the hospital nursery. Arlene held this position for a few years before taking brief hiatus to care for her own children. After they went to school, Arlene returned to nursing, where she worked as a pediatric nurse at two different private practices for many years.
Arlene married Paul R. Barrett on August 28, 1966. The couple lived in Melrose for a few years before building a house in Wilmington in 1973. Arlene and Paul shared many wonderful memories together, especially raising their three daughters; Jean, Kellie and Paula.
Family was most important to Arlene; she enjoyed celebrating special times with her family. Some of her favorite memories were family trips, especially to Disney and other vacations in Florida. Although Arlene was a devoted mother, she was so excited to become “Grammy” to her five grandchildren. She had a very special bond with each of them.
Arlene loved being active and led quite a social life. She enjoyed family cookouts, hosting family parties, especially her special Christmas parties. Arlene loved to “catch up” with her girlfriends during coffee visits and shopping trips.
In her spare time, Arlene could be found out in the garden or watching the Red Sox. She was an avid Red Sox fan and loved to spend time with her family watching the games.
Arlene was the beloved wife of Paul R. Barrett, devoted mother of Jean Barrett & her husband Eric Baldi of Wilmington, Kellie McHugh of Tewksbury and Paula Barrett of Melrose, loving “Grammy” of Danielle Baldi, Thomas Baldi, Colleen Baldi, Kyle McHugh and Brady McHugh, dear sister of Shirley Sullivan & her husband Phil of Durham, NH and Ronald King & his wife Janine of Wilmington. Arlene is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Wednesday, December 27th at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 26th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in Arlene’s name may be made to the Salvation Army, 625 Main Street, Wilmington, MA 01887.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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