Gladys A. Barter

Gladys A. (Waring) Barter, 95, a longtime resident of Westwood, MA passed away June 20th, 2024, at the Brightview North Andover MA assisted living facility after a long-term illness. Born August 5th, 1928, the daughter of Gladys Waring and Freeman Waring, Gladys grew up the younger of two children. She was a high school graduate of Hyde Park High School in Boston MA. 

Gladys met Francis Barter at a YWCA dance on Clarendon St. in Boston. They performed various waltzes, the foxtrot, and at the time, what could have been considered modern dance. On April 6th, 1947, she married Francis, the love of her life. They settled in Westwood, MA and renovated the home where they lived during their adult lives. That marriage lasted 71 years until his passing in late 2018.

Gladys and Francis became long term members of The First Baptist Church in Westwood in the mid 1960’s.

A devoted wife and mother, Gladys was most happy cooking family meals, maintaining a spotless house, telling stories about her early years, spending summer vacations in Dennis and Harwich on Cape Cod, and entertaining friends and family. With her husband and family, she ventured to Maine, Canada, and Vermont on regular family vacations. One of her favorite destinations was the Von Trappe Lodge in Vermont. 

In addition to her parents, Gladys was pre-deceased by her brother John Waring. Gladys is survived by her devoted son Roy Barter and his companion Judy of Rye NH as well as other extended family members.

Roy would like to thank the Westwood Police and Fire Departments for rendering assistance in recent years. Appreciation is also extended to the Westwood Council on Aging for assistance to the family, to neighbors Sue and Greg for their friendship and support, and to family friend Carol for being there for the family. Further appreciation is extended to all the staff at Brightview Senior Living North Andover, Hospice Services of Massachusetts, and to the nursing caregiver employee staff at Bridges by Epoch in Westwood for her care.

We will miss Gladys every day and are thankful for the many years of love we were blessed to have with her.

In honor of Gladys, please take a stroll on a beach with a friend or enjoy a friends and family holiday gathering. 

Private funeral services were held at Holden Dunn Lawler Funeral Home in Westwood on Thursday June 27th, 2024, followed by an interment at the Gardens Cemetery in West Roxbury. 

Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.