Obituary of Kathleen M. Barrett

Kathleen M. Barrett, 74, of Freehold, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2021. Kathleen was born on October 9, 1946 to David and Olga Young in Manhattan, NY. She was the eldest of four children (Suzan, Brian, and Jeffrey). Her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio and South Amboy, NJ before settling in Aberdeen, NJ in the 1960’s. She had a great childhood full of family adventures and the beginnings of many lifelong friendships. After graduating from Matawan High School, Kathleen attended Glassboro State College and graduated with a B.A. in English. While there she met her husband, Donald, whom she married in 1970. She taught for the Freehold Regional High School District from 1969-1976. Kathleen and Don settled in Freehold Borough where their two children, Jeffrey and Elizabeth, were born. Kathleen was a dedicated stay-at-home mom for 12 years, belonged to the Junior Women’s League, and was an avid member of a fun group called Stitch and B---- (it rhymes). In 1987, Kathleen and Don designed and built their dream home in Freehold Township and in 1988 Kathleen returned to teaching. She went back to FRHSD and then began a 22-year career at Hammarskjold Middle School in East Brunswick, NJ as a 6th grade English teacher. While there she also earned her master’s degree in education. She touched the lives of so many students, some of whom still kept in touch with her, and she was deeply involved in the curriculum and betterment of HMS. Words were Kathleen’s superpower – articulate, intelligent, a true wordsmith who knew what to say and write in any situation. She loved reading, writing, and art – the works of others and creating her own. A perpetual learner like her father, Kathleen especially enjoyed attending the Geraldine Dodge poetry festivals and workshops, taking enrichment classes, and trying new things – as long as they didn’t involve technology. The one exception being Words with Friends – her favorite game and way to keep in touch. One of her proudest moments was being published in the NJ Council of Teachers of English, and one of her more recent joys was painting with watercolors with her friends. She took great pride in using her gifts to help others, tutoring and volunteering, helping children and adults alike. She was a walking medical encyclopedia, a purveyor of safety tips, and a well-intentioned fortune teller of worst-case scenarios. But most of all, she loved reading Where’s Spot to her grandson Benjamin while he sat in her lap. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Donald Barrett, just 8 months ago, her parents David and Olga Young, her youngest brother Jeffrey Young, and Donald’s parents Wilbur and Ella Barrett. Kathleen is survived by her son Jeffrey Barrett (partner Krissy Klinovsky, her sons Easton & Leo), her daughter Elizabeth Morales (husband Michael Morales), and the light of her life - her grandson Benjamin Morales. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Suzan & Frank Dapolito, her brother Brian Young, several nieces, nephews, their children, and many beloved cousins. Kathleen will be greatly missed, and our memories together will be cherished forever. A memorial service will be held for both Kathleen and Donald at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St, Freehold, NJ on Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." — Emily Dickinson