Margaret Ellison Barone
Marriages
Amico J Barone
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - February 17, 2013
Margaret Ellison Barone, 83, of Steamboat Springs and Wilbraham, Mass., died Feb. 9, 2013, with two of her children at her side. Born in Reading, Mass., she graduated from Reading High and Framingham State College, summa cum laude, where she was homecoming queen and yearbook editor.
Marty spent her youthful summers studying art and working on Martha’s Vineyard, where she met her husband, Amico J. Barone. They raised five children in Springfield, Mass., before moving to Wilbraham. In 2009, Marty joined her daughter Cathy in Steamboat.
Her long career in education began in 1960 at Duggan Junior High in Springfield. From 1963, she taught home economics at Technical High, made costumes for the annual theater productions and often was named Teacher of the Year. She earned her master’s degree in psychology in 1972 and worked as a school psychologist until retiring in 1994, returning briefly to Tech as school counselor and teacher.
Her love of education was surpassed only by her love of family and adventure. She traveled to Hawaii, India, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and throughout the Americas. Her enjoyment of literature and learning enhanced these adventures: The three parts of travel, she said, were learning about the destination before going; experiencing it while traveling; and sharing those experiences through photos, drawings and journals after returning. She lately was a frequent cruise ship passenger, something she always wanted to be “when she grew up.”
Known for her elegance and style, Marty often wore clothes of her own creation, likewise making clothes and home furnishings for her children and grandchildren. She loved hiking, skiing, swimming and, above all, sitting in the sun and picnicking by the water.
Marty was imaginative and highly interested in her surroundings. She was an enthusiastic student and enjoyed reading and taking classes in the arts and sciences. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma from 1971 until her death and president of the Alpha Chapter from 1998 to 2000. She was chairwoman of the Christa MacAuliffe Scholarship Committee and an active member of the Teacher in Space Program, attending space launches at Cape Canaveral.
Marty leaves her five children and their spouses: Ann Barone, of Wilbraham; Susan Barone, of New York City; M. Robin Barone and Sydney Lea, of Newbury, Vt.; Amico and Leslie Barone, of Wilbraham; and Catherine (Barone) and Greg Kmetz LaPointe, of Steamboat. Marty also leaves 13 grandchildren, their spouses and great-grandchildren: Ted, Kelly and Elliana Wing; Timothy Wing; Sacha Wing; Jordan and Britta Lea; Catherine Lea; Sydney Lea; Creston, Kerrie, Cora and Arthur Lea; Erika Lea, Chris Simons, Creston and Ivy Lea-Simons; Jennifer, Matt, Lily and Grace Cronin; Nick Barone; Mike Barone; and Danny and David LaPointe. They will remember their mom and Nana as a calm, tender, loving and generous woman. She also was known for her great wit and infectious laughter.
A celebration of her life is planned for summer. Donations should go to the DKG Christa McAuliffe Living Memorial Fund, Sandra Carle, 12 Karlyn Road, Weymouth, MA 02188.
