Alma Lydia Barenski, 89, of Fairview St. in Lee died peacefully at her home on Thursday afternoon, her late husband’s birthday, with her loving family and caregivers filling the home that she and her husband built together.
Lydia was born February 1, 1928, in Lee, the daughter of the late Eugenio and Maria Frigo Sacchiero. She attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Lee High School, Class of 1946. Lydia married Joseph Barenski September 29, 1951, at St. Mary’s Church in Lee. Joe died August 17, 2006.
Early on, Lydia worked as a telephone operator and then as a housekeeper while raising her family. In addition to raising her own children, Mrs. Barenski was a mom to many through the years, lovingly baking them endless cookies and pies. Lydia was a kind, gentle and caring soul who quietly put the needs of others first, quick to help them with good deeds and prayers.
Besides being known as a wonderful baker, Lydia enjoyed crocheting, was a proud member of the Prospect Street Club Girls, the Red Hat Society and an active member of St. Mary’s Parish where she cherished her many hours volunteering through the years at the church, school and Our Lady’s Oratory.
Mrs. Barenski leaves behind her two sons: Thomas J. Barenski of Lee and Robert A. Barenski and his wife, Cathleen, of Baltimore, Maryland; her daughter, Jean M. Firth, and her husband, William, of Westborough; four grandchildren: Daniel and Johannah Barenski and Joseph and Katelyn Firth; and her great-granddaughter, Hazel Barenski. In addition, she also leaves behind her two sisters: Anne Darbe and Enes Gaherty and her husband, Joe, all of Lee. Besides her husband, Mrs. Barenski was also predeceased by her son Martin M. Barenski in 2014.
Funeral services for Lydia Barenski will be held Tuesday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lee with a Liturgy of Christian Burial with the Rev. Brian McGrath officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Monday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Barenski’s memory to either St. Mary’s School or HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.
To leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
