Pina G. Barbera, 85, of Worcester, passed away from advanced heart failure on Friday, August 30th. Her daughter, Michelle Barbera of Arlington, MA, was at her side at the hospital at the time of her death. Her three young grandchildren, James, Samuel, and Eleanor, and her son-in-law, Jacob Lipcon, were able to visit her at the hospital on her last day, which gave her great joy. In addition, she leaves a brother, Emanuele, a sister, Milena, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom reside in Italy. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond E. Barbera, and her brother Milo.
She was born in Italy and worked for many years as an accountant at a Torino-based company that provided manufacturing components for FIAT. She met her husband in 1968 while he was vacationing in Italy from the United States. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in Worcester, where Dr. Barbera was a professor at Clark University. Mrs. Barbera was an accomplished artist and worked in multiple mediums, including watercolor, oils, enameling, jewelry, and sculpture. Her artwork can be seen at www.pinabarbera.com.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 4th, at 10:00 AM in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, September 3rd, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Theodore and Phyllis Barbera Endowed Award, an award for the outstanding graduating senior in Spanish studies at Clark University. Please mail your donation to: Clark University Advancement Offices, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610. Checks should be made payable to Clark University. Please specify "Theodore and Phyllis Barbera Endowed Award" in the memo field of the check.