Carolyn J. (Santosuosso) Barter

Carolyn J. Barter

1931-2021

GRAY - Carolyn Josephine (Santosuosso) Sanson Barter, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 12, 2021, at her home in Gray.

She was born in Everett, Mass, on July,12, 1931 daughter of Arthur and Gretta Sanson.  Carolyn met and fell in love with her husband of 69 years, Richard L. Barter Sr. while attending Portland High School, graduating in 1949, and then attending Northeastern Business College.

She was employed in the City of Portland Auditor's office until they were married in June, 1952. When Richard completed 4 years of service in the United States Navy they then settled in Portland where they raised their 6 children, moving to Falmouth in 1973. Family was the greatest joy of her life, always putting them before herself. She loved making every birthday, anniversary, and holiday, special for her family. 

Carolyn enjoyed being a member of the Cumberland Garden Club and was proud to be a lifetime member of the Italian Heritage Center where she attended many dances, volunteered for their annual fair, played gin and attended many club functions with friends.   

She was an avid bowler, but chose to raise her family instead of bowling professionally.

In addition to raising her children and bowling, she enjoyed sewing, golfing, going to garage sales with Beverly, and shopping with her daughters. She hosted many parties for her friends and family, and loved going to their condo in FL. 

She never missed a chance to go dancing with her husband, New Year’s Eve being her favorite.

 Carolyn leaves behind and will be greatly missed by her husband Richard, four sons, Richard Jr & fiancé Candice Berry, Donald & wife Deborah, Ronald & wife Maryann, David & fiancé Elaine Burnell, two daughters Debra Barter & sig. other Jon Jarrell and Carol-Lynn Grace & sig. other Marc Bissonnette Jr.

Nieces Dianne Smiley & Husband Sam, Denise Russell & husband David, Judy Lamoreaux and husband Phil, and nephew John Gallagher and wife Lisa. She was predeceased by her parents, sister June Walker, sister in-law Beverly Clark, grandson Ryan Barter, and daughter in-law Melanie.

Carolyn was nanny to, and leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and several great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special and loving thanks to her wonderful caregivers Rebecca, Courtney, Toni, Judy, and Jackie, the staff with Home Care Assistance, and the nurses and staff with Beacon Hospice for their kindness and care they gave to our mother. 

Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 1-3PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 3PM.  Burial will be held in Blanchard Cemetery in Falmouth on Monday, July 12, at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn's memory may be made to American Diabetes Association.

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