"I miss Missy so much, and I am sorry for her loss to everyone. My favorite memory of her is when I went to spend the night with Anya, and in the morning Missy asked me what my favorite kind of donuts are. I said maple and white frosted, and when she came back there were 3 of each kind just for me. I am so proud that I ate every one!"
In loving memory of
Melissa Ann Barry
Melissa "Missy" Ann Barry (née Bierbaum) of Glendale, Arizona moved on to eternal life at John C. Lincoln Medical Center on October 26th, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.
Melissa was born on August 3rd of 1983 at Danbury Hospital to her parents Randy and Cynthia Bierbaum (née James). Melissa grew up along with her sisters at their family home in New Fairfield, CT. Missy graduated from New Fairfield High School in 2001. She enlisted in the Army and served her country where she attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. During that time she met and married, on July 25th of 2002, her husband Daniel Barry. After the birth of their daughter Anastasia they moved together to Augusta, GA where their son Alexander joined their family. After Daniel's discharge from the Army they all moved together to Arizona.
Missy was extremely creative; she enjoyed cooking, crafting, reading, art, making jewelry, sewing, and so many more things. It came naturally to her and she mastered anything she took on. She was the go-to guru for her family on many different topics. She enjoyed all things Disney, animals, and the underdog. She was a fierce defender of those she loved and always spoke against injustice. Most of all, she cherished and loved her entire family. Missy had a wisdom beyond her years that touched and helped many lives.
Melissa is survived by her two adoring children Anastasia and Alexander; her husband Daniel; her parents Randy and Cynthia Bierbaum; her sister Jamie Lee Pereira (née Bierbaum), and her husband Sergio, her sister Katie Lynn Bierbaum; her two grandmothers Joan James and Barbara Bierbaum; her mother and father in-law Mike and Sue Barry; her aunts and uncles Deborah, Tom, Karen and Dave, Cliff and Lisa, Scott and Rose; her niece and nephews Lilliana, Mikey, and Eric; and her cousins Bobby, Jarrett, Max, Steven, Tara, Morgan, and Jack; her brother-in-law Ryan, sister-in-law Jessie; and her honorary uncles Sam and Joey.
Melissa is predeceased by her two grandfathers Cliff "Poppy" James and Ernest "Grandpa Ernie" Bierbaum, and her uncle Robert "Bobby" James. They lovingly welcomed her into heaven.
A celebration of Melissa's life will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 with visitation at 11:00 am Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Services immediately following at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in Melissa's honor to The Paley Foundation (thepaleyfoundation.org) or The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).
Tributes
"The sadness we feel is beyond words. Thinking of you. Missy, Rest In Peace! With love, Judi Annunziata"
"My deepest condolences to you Cindy, and your entire family. May your many loving and blessed memories help you through this overwhelmingly sad time."
"So sorry for your loss Randy. My heart goes out to you and your family."
"We send strength to you all during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Missy is always with you. ??"
"Chip and I want to express our sincere condolences for the loss of your daughter. Please know our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with your family. May your strength together help you through this difficult time."
"Dear Bierbaum and Barry family ~ our deepest heartfelt sympathy, we are not able to be a physical part of Missy's celebration of life today ~ but we are there in spirit ~ sending prayers, strength and love to all of you during this difficult time ~ Quote we want to share ~ "I know we never lose the people we love. They live the rest of our lives with us in our heart.""
"Our deepest condolences. Missy is an amazing person and her spirit will continue on and her love wil be forever felt. We are all better because of how she touched us, be it in small or big ways. Our prayers are with you and we pray for your comfort, peace and healing. "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18). We love you and are here to support you. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). God bless Missy, Cindie, Randy, family and friends."
"Missy was a beautiful soul both inside and out. We became close friends the night we arrived at DLI in Monterey and continued our friendship over the years through Facebook. With our busy home lives it always seemed the easiest way to keep in touch. Now I will mourn not just the loss of somebody that is nowhere near replaceable, but the loss of the day that will not come on this Earth. The day I see your smiling face and that wonderful embrace. MIssy, you are living on through others in so many ways, doing things your way...lol...typical Missy behaviour. But you have also set wonderful examples of who to be and how to love and live. You will never be forgotten. I love you. I will miss you here on Earth but I will pray every night to meet again. Watch over us all Angel. Dana"
"Dear family of Melissa, Words cannot express my feelings at this time. She is not physically with you, but her memory will remain with you forever. Deepest sympathy and love to all from Betsy and family God Bless"
"Dearest Randy, Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your lost...words just can't describe my heartache for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Missy's beautiful smile and and her cute personality that you just had to love! God Bless you all, Trish and Kylie Sutter"
"To you all- we are so deeply saddened to hear of Missy's passing. We have only fond memories of her sweetness. Our hearts are breaking for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers Missy will remain forever in our hearts. Wendy, Michael, Hannah and Jake DeLucia"
"We are very sorry for your loss......you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find the comfort in family and friends that surround you during this difficult time."
"Katie and family I am so sorry to hear this so young and so beautiful. I hope to never feel the pain of losing a child but as I just lost my Mom in June do know how hard it is to lose someone you love so much. If you need anything do not hesitate to call."
"We are so sad to hear of the loss of Missy. We fondly remember her as that spitited little girl who wanted to play the drum, and was happy when her grand father found a small drum for her. Missy was a very special person and will be missed by many. Our love, thoughts and prayers for the entire family."
"Words cannot express our sorrow. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with the family. May she be at peace in heaven. PJ & Will"
"Dear Bierbaum family, our deepest sympathies go out to you all in this sad time. Having Missy explain to us about the importance of ladybugs at (10 or 12 years old) when we started our garden and showing us how to grow Egyptian Onion plants was always an experience. Her babysitting for our kids and just being a great person makes her loss so much greater. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, Pat, Jean, Kristy & Amanda. Neighbors on Overbrook."
"Words just seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about the loss of Missy. Please know that our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time."
"Wayne and I want to express our sincere condolences in the devastating loss of your daughter. Our thoughts are with you both and your family. May your strength together help you through the upcoming difficult days and months."
"I am so very sorry for your loss."