It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol E. Barry, known affectionately as G-ma by her grandchildren. The world has lost a kind soul who has gone to join her husband, Bob, for a dance in Heaven. Carol, born on April 30, 1934 in Pittsburgh to Marie Shaffer Baker and Harry Baker, passed away in Indiana, PA on April 24, 2025 at the age of ninety.
As a child of a pit orchestra musician, Carol’s childhood was somewhat tumultuous until she moved to Indiana, PA where she found love and stability with her grandfather, John Shaffer. Carol married Robert E. Barry a month after turning eighteen years old and worked at what is now IRMC for forty-six years as the director of the Medical Records Department. The job connected Carol with lifetime friends she adored, most of whom attended a 90th birthday party they planned for her last April.
While working full-time at IRMC, Carol raised a family. Although devastated by the loss of her husband when she was forty-four years old, she continued to care for others with her deep, unselfish love, always putting the needs of friends and family first.
Content and grateful for every facet of her life, Carol never expressed a need for more than God had given her. She loved her little house that her husband had helped build and enjoyed the simple things in life. A good week for Carol would include golfing, traveling, bowling, swimming in the ocean, reading a good book or hanging out with friends and family. An avid card player, Carol was proud of her Bridge skills and enjoyed the time spent with all of her various card club friends.
Carol was known for her unwavering determination, strong will and deeply rooted faith in God. She was outgoing and loved being surrounded by all kinds of people regardless of life choices different from her own. While she was frugal and careful with money spent on herself, Carol was extremely generous with others. She was a light in the darkness and a true inspiration to many. As the end neared, Carol was brave and showed more concern for those left behind than for herself.
In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters: Janet Dunois and Betty Nicolette (Jack).
Carol is survived by her children: Barbara Bell (Thomas) of Homer City and Michael Barry (Christine Steffish) of Austin, PA. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Jamie Cortazzo (Scott) of Indiana, Katie Yancy (Chad) of Homer City, Andrew Bell of Baldwin, Brenna Robb (Ryan) of Bellefonte, and Briar Barry (Elizabeth) of Warrendale. Her great-grandchildren include: Carter and Brody Cortazzo, Quinn Barry, Brynlee Yancy, Adeline, Benson, and Callan Robb. In addition, Carol is survived by her sister: Barbara Bosworth (Roy) of Pittsburgh along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9:00AM at Trinity United Methodist Church (398 Church St, Indiana, PA 15701).
Online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net .
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