Jean T. Barry-Sutherland died peacefully in the company of her loving family at home on Thursday night. She was 69. Jean was raised in Medford, the daughter of Alice (Ahern) Barry and the late James Barry. She went to St. Joseph School, North Cambridge Catholic High School and earned both her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees at Boston State College. A tireless and passionate educator, Jean served Medford’s Public School System for over forty years as an elementary educator. She began her career at the Gleason School, served at the Waite and then the Dame School where she eventually became Assistant Principal and later, Principal. When Medford’s elementary schools were consolidated, Jean was selected to serve as the first principal of the new Columbus School. She oversaw new innovations in special education and made for a smooth transition for faculty, students and their families to the new school environment. Jean is remembered by colleagues, students and families in Medford for bringing out the best in everyone she met. Thorough, tireless, compassionate and up-beat, generations of families benefited from her ability to educate and her commitment to help every student grow into the persons they are meant to be.
Part of a large family, Jean was a wonderful daughter, sister and wife. She and her husband Tom with their gang of family and friends enjoyed life and travelled the world, whether by Caribbean cruise or European bus tour, having fun every step of the way. Jean participated in many public events, charities and social clubs, always willing to lend a hand to build community in the city she loved.
For the past ten years Jean battled cancer. She endured and embraced treatment and trials, progress and recurrence. She never complained. She always smiled and somehow, even in her own pain, made everyone around her feel great.
The beloved wife of Thomas Sutherland, she was the cherished daughter of Alice (Ahern) Barry and the late James Barry. A loving sister to Michael Barry and his wife Nancy of Acushnet, Maryellen Trane and her husband David of Wilmington, Marian Barry- Ravagni and her husband Hugh Ravagni of Saugus, Kevin Barry and his wife Gloria of Wilmington, John Barry and his wife Luanne of Medford, the late Richard and James Barry. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford Thursday, December 22nd at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 3 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers please honor Jean’s memory by making a contribution toTufts Medical Center Breast Cancer Research, c/o Dr. John Erban, 800 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111.