Diedra J (Despres) Barr

Diedra J. “Dee” (Despres) Barr, 81, of Whitinsville and Linwood Avenue, formerly of Prentice Road, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with her son Shawn by her side ,  at Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge after an illness.

     Dee was born on April 12, 1945, in Worcester and raised in Grafton. She was the daughter of Leonard J. and Dorothy H. (Kane) Despres. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Warren E. Barr III; her youngest daughter, Darlene Clarke-Zolides; her sister, Linda Channel; and her brother, John Despres.

     Dee is survived by her six children: Earl Mathews of MA, Lorrie Daniels of RI, Dr. Rhonda Button of IL, Leonard “Tony” Mathews of CO, Shawn Mathews of RI, and Wayne Alacoski of AZ; four stepchildren: Warren E. Barr IV, Jeffrey Barr, and Karen Barr, all of Whitinsville and Uxbridge Cheryl Volpe of MA ; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Beverly Dunne of FL, Sharon Bickford of MA, and Nora Bixby of MA; and many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart.

     A devoted homemaker, Dee poured her love into raising her children and supporting her family. She was educated in the Grafton school system and later worked as a bus driver for Alternatives in Whitinsville and alongside her husband at a local auto parts store.

Dee was a member of the New England Country Music Association in Uxbridge. She cherished camping, fishing, and above all, family cookouts and gatherings where laughter filled the air. A woman of quiet creativity, she was a talented poet who wrote many heartfelt pieces over the years. Her proudest work, “Meadow Pond and Me,” was a deep reflection of her spirit and connection to the life she loved.

"We had our ups and downs, as most families do. But above all, our mother taught us that we deserved to be seen and valued. Beyond her unconditional love and constant encouragement, she instilled in each of us the importance of hard work, integrity, and mutual respect. She always pushed us to give our best, finish what we started, and strive to be the best versions of ourselves in everything we took on.. We thank you for that.  We love you, Mom. We will miss you "

     As to her wishes, Dee’s family will celebrate her life privately. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 401 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a condolence message for her family, please visit Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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