Lydia Barenski, 89

LEE, Mass. — Alma Lydia Barenski, 89, of Fairview Street in Lee, died peacefully at her home on Thursday afternoon, May 18, 2017, 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 Lydia 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, Md.; her daughter, Jean M. Firth and her husband William of Westborough, Mass.; four grandchildren, Daniel and Johannah Barenski and Joseph and Katelyn Firth; her great-granddaughter, Hazel Barenski; and 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 notice: Funeral Services for Lydia Barenski will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 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, May 22, 2017, 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 Hospice Care in the Berkshires in care or Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.