Josephine L. Barry

JOSEPHINE L. BARRY

December 3, 1936 – May 4, 2026

Josephine “Jo” Barry, 89, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. An amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, godmother, mother-in-law and friend, she is survived by her sister Mary, her children Frank (Christine), Kathy, John (DJ), Joe (Josie), Ed, and Chris, as well as 11 grandchildren, Erin, Andy (Bri), Sharon, Jordan, Kristina, Keith (Annie), Cara, Danny (Natalia), Mike (Irene), Kimmy and Johnny and eight great grandchildren (Dylan, Emma, Daniella, Anthony, Juliet, Gianna, Gabriella and Catherine).

Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Farrah and Frank Renda, she was raised with her five siblings on Ford Street in a house her grandfather had built for them. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Frank, as well as her brothers Sam (Lucy), Jack (Julie), Ben (Meryl) and Frank (Sonja).

Strong in her faith, family was always the most important thing in her life. After moving to Ronkonkoma, NY, she fully embraced the suburban lifestyle as the busy mother of six children. A frequent class mom and chaperone, she loved family gatherings, pets and group trips. She also loved music and led the folk group at Good Shepherd church for many years.

Described as “kindness personified” and “a truly beautiful soul,” she had a sweet demeanor, was constantly smiling and always tried to find the best in people. She also loved poetry, having been active in poetry writing and public readings in the early 1990s and early 2000s.

A three-time breast cancer survivor, she was first diagnosed in 1968 and had her first successful operation on May 1 that year. She celebrated quietly and peacefully on that day every year after. It was a strong reminder of her love for life, grit and determination as well as her strong connection to her faith in overcoming it. She never let cancer get her down, didn’t dwell on it, and it never defined her. She took that same approach with all adversities.

Welcoming to all, she enjoyed the little things, appreciated everything she had, saw the glass as half full, and took the time to smell the roses (often literally). She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Josephine to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation www.komen.org