Cecil Ellen Barrett, 94, of Kenosha, WI., passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 2, 2024, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Cecil was born in Hillsboro, WI to Thomas and Leona (Greeley) Sullivan on August 19, 1929, the second of three daughters. She graduated from Hillsboro High School and cosmetology college in Lacrosse, WI, moving to Kenosha in 1950 where she worked as a beautician.
A chance meeting at a dance brought Cecil together with Peter Barrett. The two were married on September 1, 1956, in Egg Harbor, WI, making Kenosha their home afterward. Cecil continued to work as a beautician until the birth of her first son, James (the troublemaker) and was a stay-at-home mom for 20 years raising two additional sons, Timothy (her favorite) and Thomas (the spoiled baby).
Returning to work in 1975, Cecil was a teacher’s aide and retired from the Kenosha Unified School District in 2000. During this time, she taught at Bain, Durkee and Jefferson elementary schools, took Spanish lessons and spent many summers working with ESL students. Never one to stay idle very long, Cecil continued to work part time and volunteered for a variety of organizations long after retirement.
Cecil strived to remain both mentally and physically active. She routinely walked several miles a day and was zip lining at the age of 85. She loved to read, cook, sew and travel and considered trips to the Artic Circle and Morocco as two of her favorites. She enjoyed puzzles, movies, dancing, Jeopardy, Cribbage, Scrabble, Brandy Old Fashioneds and finding anything “on sale”. A true child of the great depression, Cecil was extremely frugal but she was also humble, patient, loving and understanding. Nominated by her family and winning “Mother of the Year” 65 consecutive times never changed her modest and gentle nature.
She was a member of the Kenosha Public Museum, the YMCA and the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Cecil is survived by sons, James (Brenda Barnett) of Ottawa, IL, Timothy (Yvette Wells) of Elkhorn, WI, Thomas of Meadow Vista, CA, and granddaughter, Molly Barrett of Santa Cruz, CA.
Preceded in death by husband Peter, parents Thomas and Leona Sullivan, sisters Odessa (James) Keith, Donna (William) Gamerdinger and half-sister Leota (Roskel) Shear.
A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holton Manor, 645 N. Church Street – Elkhorn, WI 53121. https://www.wisconsinillinoisseniorhousing.org/senior-living/wi/elkhorn/holton-manor/
The Barrett family would like to thank the staff at Holton Manor for the extraordinary care and compassion Cecil received these past five years. Holton is a special place, and their employees are truly amazing. We will never forget the empathy, kindness and courtesy extended our mom during her time there. A sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone at Holton.Holton.
