Patricia Jean Barry, 92, of Grand Blanc, passed away on June 25th, 2026, after battling Alzheimer’s. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1934 to Howard and Grace “Meinhardt” Ulmer and grew up alongside her sister, Lois “Ulmer” Grow. 

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Clarence Barry, and her son, Ronald  Scott Barry (Terri Barry) parents, Howard and Grace and her sister, Lois. She is survived by her children Kimberly Rich (Mark Rich), Kenneth Barry (Amy Barry), and Kristen Burnett (Michael Burnett); her grandchildren Ashley Bartalotta (Samuel Bartalotta), Katherine Klein (Benjamin Klein), Jacquelyn Tassos (Matthew Tassos), Michael Barry, James Barry, William Burnett, and Jack Burnett; and her seven great‑grandchildren Tate Barry, Benjamin Tassos, Anna Tassos, Madelynn Klein, Isabella Klein, Marni Bartalotta, and Vincenzo Bartalotta.

Patricia attended Kent State University, where she studied Art History and met the love of her life, Donald Barry. Their courtship began the moment she saw him walking down the steps of her parents’ home—she often said she knew instantly he was the one.   They married in February 1956 and went on to share more than 60 wonderful years together.

During her younger years she took great pride in being named Football Queen Attendant and Track Queen at Brush High School as well as a Drum Majorette marching at every game.  When she attended Kent State University in 1952, she was voted in as the Military Ball Queen by the Honorary Council at the University.  Even after school, her beauty was noticed and photographed for a local marketing ad.  She loved sharing these accomplishments and kept the dresses and jewelry she wore during these times as reminders of these proud moments.

Throughout her adult life, Patricia created a career working as an Administrative Assistant throughout the country while supporting her family through countless relocations. She followed Don’s career with Mobil Oil wholeheartedly, embracing more than 30+ moves during their marriage. No matter where life took them, she created a beautiful home filled with laughter. Her zest for life was unmistakable to anyone who knew her, often expressed through her “happy dances,” a signature dance of life’s big and small achievements.

She had a lifelong passion for creating art and loved spending time with her lifelong friends, often traveling together and giving them tours of the many cities she and Don had called home. Many of her paintings now hang proudly in the homes of her children and grandchildren, each one a reminder of her talent. She shared her love of art and history with them through annual childhood trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts.   She also loved playing cards and dice games with family, celebrating every victory with her signature triumphant tune—leaving no doubt about who had won.

Her happiest years were spent on Lake Lapeer, Michigan, where she and Don retired and enjoyed countless days on their pontoon surrounded by friends and family. She especially loved sharing the lake life with her grandchildren, who grew up creating memories at their lake house trying to catch “Walter” the fish.  The Fourth of July celebration each year on the lake quickly became one of her favorite times of the year, watching the lake light up with decorated boats, fireworks, and patriotic songs.

She will always be remembered for her passion for art, history, travel, love of laughter, her beauty & intelligence, for her spirited conversation, for her strong opinions, and most of all, for the zestful way she lived life.

The visitation will be held at Detroit Cremation Society in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2-5pm.  Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Patricia’s obituary was written by her loving family.