Maureen A. Barter

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend

Maureen A. (McGarahan) Barter, 90 a lifelong resident of Lowell, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Clinton E. Barter with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. She was born in Lowell, April 17, 1934, the daughter of the late James and Kathryn (Heslin) McGarahan.

She attended the Sacred Heart School and went on to graduate from Lowell High School in 1952. After raising her family, she happily went back to work and enjoyed many years in Human Resources at Raytheon.

Maureen was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church for over 60 years. Throughout the years, she was an active volunteer for many of her children’s school and church functions. She was the first to volunteer for many social programs and youth activities. She initiated the first Girl Scout Troop at the Immaculate Conception School, which is still active today. Later in life, she was a member of the Women’s Guild, the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Nocturnal Adoration Society.

Maureen embraced her Irish heritage. She was a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Lowell Division, where she held every office including the President. In addition, she was a committed officer on the LAOH County Board. Maureen was recognized, along with Clint, for her dedicated services and many contributions to the Lowell Division.

Family and faith were woven tightly into her life. She cherished her six children, Ed and his wife Peggy of Lowell, Mary Beth and her husband Bob of Salisbury, Kathy and her husband David of Merrimack, NH, Sheila of Stoneham, Brian and his wife Celeste of Lowell, and Stephen and his fiancé Kimberly of Lowell.

In addition to her children, Maureen leaves her dear brother, Frank McGarahan and his wife Sophie of IL, her brother-in-law, John Dunfey of Tewksbury and her much adored grandchildren, Ed Barter, Colleen (Barter) Hood, Katy (Meisser) McNamara, Jeff Meisser, Matthew Barter and Connor Barter. She was blessed with four great grandchildren, Tyler and Kaila Barter, Rylee McNamara, and Noah Hood. Maureen was aunt to many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She leaves many friends with whom she shared Irish set dancing, travel, tennis, dominoes, and family beach trips.

Maureen was predeceased by her loving sister and lifelong friend, Kathleen Dunfey.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette St., Lowell, MA 01852 or please consider a charity of your choice.

Her funeral will be live streamed – click here to watch

Her visiting hours will be held at her beloved Immaculate Conception Church on the corner of Fayette Street and East Merrimack Street in Lowell on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Her Funeral Mass will be offered at 12 p.m. at the church followed by procession to St. Mary Cemetery. Please find us on Facebook or use this website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.