Nancy F. (Fisher) Barrett

Nancy F. (Fisher) Barrett, of Dorchester formerly of Waltham, passed away surrounded by her family, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Winchester Hospital, after courageously living with Multiple Sclerosis for over twenty years. She was 60.

Born in Waltham on November 23, 1964, Nancy was a daughter of Robert Fisher Jr. and his late wife, Muriel (Thomas) Fisher. Nancy graduated from Waltham High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. She later returned to UMass to pursue further education and obtained her master’s degree in early childhood education. Loving the beauty of western Massachusetts, Nancy remained in the UMass area, marrying Frederick Barrett (predeceased) of Holyoke. Together they bought a home in Holyoke to raise their family.

Nancy worked her way through high school at the Waltham Cinema, a job she enjoyed immensely. Her career in early childhood education was a true reflection of her caring nature, allowing her to touch the lives of many young children. Her musical talents, cultivated in the high school band, provided joy and excitement to her students who would light up with delight when she would sing or play the piano or flute. She also worked for many years with a healthcare nonprofit before retiring.

However, for Nancy, the job she was most proud of was that of “Mom”. Her family, especially her twins, Seth and Allie, were everything to her. She worked hard to give them everything she had even in the face of her MS diagnosis two decades ago. Everyone from her family to coworkers always knew how giving and caring she was. However, after her diagnosis, they would also find out just how courageous she was. 

Nancy loved the tranquility of the water. Growing up, she enjoyed summer family vacations to New Hampshire and Cape Cod. Many of her happiest memories revolved around summer vacations to Annisquam and the Annisquam Lighthouse Beach in Gloucester with her children. 

Nancy became a resident of The Boston Home of Dorchester a few years ago, where she participated in social events and gatherings, made dear friends, and discovered the joy of water-color painting.

Nancy leaves her children, Seth Barrett of New York City and Allie Barrett of Providence, Rhode Island; her father Robert Fisher, Jr. of Waltham.; her siblings, Robert T. Fisher of Belchertown, Brenda A. Mondello (James) of Magnolia, and Debra J. Bezjian Waltham and her nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her mother Muriel R. (Thomas) Fisher and her sister Robin.

Family and friends will honor and remember Nancy’s life by gathering for a morning wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, December 9th from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by her service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. 

Memorial donations may be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891 Washington, D.C. 20090 – 1891 or by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate