WALTHAM
Margaret Barrett passed away at home after a brief battle with cancer on Oct. 7, 2018. Born on Jan. 8, 1931, in Queens, N.Y., Peggy was the second daughter of Edward and Margaret (Dwyer) Kupfer. Peggy lived all but six years of her life in the New York City area, having spent her childhood and early adulthood in Queens, 25 years in Manhasset, and 20 years in Manhattan. She moved to Waltham to live with her daughter in 2015.
Peggy was the devoted mother of eight children. A very sensitive and empathetic person, she dedicated most of her adult life to raising her large family, helping them overcome life’s challenges and later caring for and enjoying her grandchildren. A free spirit with an artistic flair, Peggy was also an accomplished needle craft person. Although she excelled at all aspects of the craft, Peggy enjoyed rug hooking most and designed and created many heirloom pieces.
Peggy attended St Andrews Elementary School, St Agnes Academic High School and the Katherine Gibbs School. She was employed as an executive secretary by United Airlines, Cone Mills (20 years), both in New York City, and A.E. Goettleman & Co.
Peggy is survived by her brother, Edward Kupfer of Long Beach, Calif.; her children: Andrew (Ann) of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Margaret Malette (George) of Waltham, Timothy (Teresa) of South Orange N.J., Elizabeth Fanneron (Robert) of Livingston, N.J., John (Catherine) of Philadelphia, Pa., Maria Russell (Craige) of Issaquah, Wash., Paul (Vicki) of Smithtown, N.Y., and, Jane (Noah) of Rockland. She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Ann Conley and Jane Rigney; and, her former husband, Timothy J. Barrett Jr. Peggy leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Cara Barrett (New York, N.Y.); Evelyn Fanneron (New York, N.Y.); William Malette (Waltham); Grace Barrett (Charleston, S.C.); Timothy Barrett (South Orange, N.J.); Mark Fanneron (Charlotte, N.C.); Collin Barrett (South Orange, N.J.); Abigail Russell (Issaquah, Wash.); Luke Barrett (Philadelphia, Pa.); Jake Barrett (Smithtown, N.Y.); Mary Russell (Issaquah, Wash.); Kevin Barrett (Smithtown, N.Y.); Dwyer Barrett (Philadelphia, Pa.); Kay Margaret Barrett (Smithtown, N.Y.); Ryan Barrett (South Orange, N.J.); and Oscar Barnes (Rockland).