Dorothy E. “Debbie” Barr, 76, of Concord, died peacefully at home on February 20 with her husband and two daughters at her bedside.
Debbie was born in Detroit and moved to Boston in 1971 to pursue a Master’s degree at Northeastern University. Shortly thereafter she met her husband, Elliott Thompson, and the two embarked on a journey which would carry them through the next 50 years and the birth of two children and four grandchildren.
A Concord resident since 1993, Debbie was involved in many local organizations and causes. As a friend of hers recently noted, her kindness, her compassion, her clear sense of right and wrong and what the world could be, were hallmarks of who she was. A passionate environmentalist and advocate for women’s rights, Debbie devoted herself to a variety of organizations including the League of Women Voters (Concord-Carlisle), of which she was president for two years, and the Concord Climate Action Network. She also spearheaded local food and sustainability efforts such as the Concord Ag Day and Farm and Garden Fair.
Her professional life was filled with a similar passion for caring for others, whether in the fields of education or social services. Her work in education revolved around preparing young people to take on civic and professional responsibilities and careers, while her work in social services was dedicated to supporting the needs of elder members of the community. She brought out the best in people. With her bountiful garden, her joyful laugh, and her kind heart, she was an inspiring and valued friend to many.
She is survived by her husband, Elliott C. Thompson of Concord, her daughters Katherine Thompson of Harvard, and Susannah Thompson of Newburyport, her brother Daniel Barr and his wife Carol of Fountain City, Wisconsin, four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private.
Donations in her memory to support environmental action may be made to the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle, P.O. Box 34, Concord, MA 01742.Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi, Concord Funeral Home, Concord, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.concordfuneral.com
