Margarite L. (Vastano) Barbarita of East Falmouth formerly of Dedham, on Monday, January 4, 2021, encircled by her loving family in prayer and in joyful hope, went home to God. She was 86 years old. Margarite was a devoted wife of 42 years to her true love, the late Michael J. Barbarita. She was the sister of the late Louis F. Vastano and soul sister to the late Marie Barbarita and Anna Caranci.
Born on July 1, 1934 in East Providence, RI, the daughter of the late Mary Louise (Piccolo) and Joseph J. Vastano, Margarite and her husband along with their two young children moved to Dedham in 1962 where they raised their family. She remained there until 2018 when she moved to East Falmouth with her family.
She was educated in Rhode Island and attended Lincoln School there. A model for Helene’s Bridal Shop in East Providence, Margarite always had a flare for fashion and jewelry. She enjoyed interior decorating as well—her home—a showcase of impeccable taste and creativity. Blessed with the gift of hospitality, she was an amazing cook and loved to entertain—especially for big family gatherings alongside her forever friend and neighbor, Anna Spada. She was an avid knitter and patiently taught the craft to others including her granddaughter’s Girl Scout troupe. A huge LeBron James fan, she loved watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and more recently the LA Lakers. Margarite was a Eucharistic minister at her parish. Her child-like faith in God and fierce devotion to her family was evident in the countless ways she served others. Despite her 45-year battle with MS, she was always there—always ready to empty herself and give all she had to care for her family. Her grandchildren—her greatest joy.
Margarite is survived by her brother Joseph Vastano of Portsmouth, RI, her son, Michael J. Barbarita, Jr., of Dedham, daughter, Margaret R. Kelly and husband Paul of East Falmouth, her precious grandchildren, Bianca Kelly and Thomas Kelly also of East Falmouth and many wonderful, faith-filled and supportive nieces and nephews.
It was Margarite’s wishes that everyone be safe and healthy. Therefore, all services will be private. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, Jan. 8 and may be live streamed from St. Catherine of Siena’s, Norwood, MA website at: stcatherinenorwood.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Team Sweaty Already’s National MS Society’s Challenge Walk fundraising efforts at team/sweatyalready. You may also mail checks, payable to National MS Society, to 101A First Ave, Waltham, MA 02451. Please be sure to include Margarite Barbarita/Team Sweaty Already in the memo line.