Obituary of Elizabeth Barnes

Elizabeth Barnes July 3, 1925 - October 24, 2009 Norwich - Elizabeth (Fratus) Barnes, 84, wife of Robert W. Barnes, Sr. of 29 County Fair Rd., Norwich, died Saturday at Backus Hospital. Born in Stonington on July 3, 1925, she was the daughter of the late George and Jessie (Moniz) Fratus, Sr. Prior to her retirement she was employed as a Deli Clerk at the former Shop-Rite in Norwichtown. She was active in the former Rose Arts Festival; Past President of the Woman's Norwich Little League Auxiliary for 10 years; District 11 coordinator for Little League for several years; a 19 year breast cancer survivor; a volunteer of 25 years at the Backus Hospital; and a member of the Backus Hospital Auxiliary. On December 30, 1950 at St. Mary Church in Stonington Village she was united in marriage to Robert W. Barnes, Sr. who survives along with one daughter Deborah A. McGuire and her companion Paul M. Dumphy of North Franklin, and one son Robert W. Barnes, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Oakdale. Four grandchildren, Michael McGuire, Miranda Farmer and her husband Kurt , Melissa Orlando and her husband Josh, and Brittany Barnes. One great grandson Shane Farmer. One brother Alfred Fratus of Oakdale and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Lorraine Fratus, and two brothers George "Sonny" Fratus and Raymond Fratus. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday at 9a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Elizabeth St., Norwich, meeting at the church. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory are asked to be made to the Backus Foundation, 326 Washington St., Norwich, CT. 06360.