Patty Barry

Mary Patricia "Patty" Barry, 92, passed away peacefully after a life devoted to family, faith, and service. She was born on January 25, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Willard and Alice Smith. Tragedy struck early when her mother, Alice, passed away during childbirth. Patty was subsequently raised by her loving father, Willard, and his second wife, Pauline. This challenging start instilled in her a profound resilience and deep appreciation for family bonds. Following her high school graduation, Patty pursued a calling to care for others, attending Nurses training at St. Vincent's in Sioux City, Iowa. After earning her nursing degree, she embarked on a memorable two month adventure through Europe with her cousins, a trip she often spoke of with great fondness and cherished memories. Upon her return to the States, she took a nursing job on the east coast. Family obligations prompted her return to Sioux City, where she built a remarkable nursing career. Patty dedicated her skills and compassionate spirit as a registered nurse at both St. Vincent's and St. Joseph's hospitals. Her dedication and expertise saw her rise through the ranks to become the respected Head OB/GYN Nurse at both institutions. In 1956, Patty married Tom McGuire, and together they built a loving family, welcoming five beautiful children: Tim, Molly, Matthew, Shaun, and Dennis. Alongside raising a family and managing a demanding nursing career, Patty capably served as the business manager for her husband's vacuum cleaner shop. Patty's capacity for care extended far beyond the hospital walls. Demonstrating a profound commitment to her community, she opened her home to a number of young women during their pregnancies, offering them support and a safe harbor. She also served as a private duty nurse for numerous hospice patients, providing comfort and dignity during their final days. After she and Tom separated, Patty eventually found love again with Dr. Richard Barry, known affectionately as "Dick '. She had known Dick for many years through his late wife, Joan, her former classmate from nurses training. In 1980, Patty, along with her three youngest children, moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she and Dick married and blended their families. Patty was blessed to become “Mom” to Debbie, Diane, Rick and Sean. This blended family of nine children was her greatest joy! Following her move to Omaha and marriage to Dick, Patty switched career paths and became a respected Realtor in the Omaha area for many years, applying her characteristic dedication and interpersonal skills to the real estate market. Patty and Dick found their dream home at Ginger Cove Lake in Valley, Nebraska, where they lived happily for many years, hosting countless joyful family gatherings. When Richard passed away, Patty remained at the lake home, continuing to provide a loving respite and gathering place for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, Patty maintained master-level skill in the game of bridge and became a prominent member of Omaha's elite bridge community. She will be remembered for her enduring grace, her tireless work ethic, and the quiet strength with which she navigated life's challenges. Her legacy is one of boundless love, extraordinary perseverance, and unwavering devotion to those she served and held dear. Patty was preceded in death by her father, Willard Smith, Mother, Alice Smith, Stepmother, Pauline Smith, Husband, Dr. Richard Barry and her son Dennis McGuire as well as her two sisters and brother. Patty is survived by her children Tim (Charlotte) McGuire, Molly McGuire (Pat Burke), Matthew (Trisha) McGuire, Shaun McGuire, Debra (Dennis) Mostek, Rick Barry, Diane (John) Denkinger, Sean (Stephanie) Barry and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to The Omaha Community Playhouse or the Josie harper Hospice House.

Patty Barry

January 25, 1933 - November 24, 2025