Joanne M Barrette

Plattsburgh Mrs. Joanne M. Barrette, 71, of Bradford Road in Plattsburgh, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vermont with her loving family by her side. She was born in Spokane, Washington on September 4, 1942, the first born child of the late William and Marie (Berner) Dowling. Joanne was raised on a beautiful wheat farm located in the small town of Rosalia, in eastern Washington State. She graduated from Rosalia High School in 1960 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington State College in 1964. She married Clifton "Jack" Barrette, of Plattsburgh, on June 12, 1965 at Holy Rosary Church in Rosalia, WA, and later they moved to New York State. Joanne was a first grade teacher in Tonasket, WA and at Monty Street School in Plattsburgh. She also taught 5th grade at St. Alexander's Catholic School in Morrisonville. Joanne eventually left teaching so that she could raise her own four children to high standards. During this time she had a child care business in her home. Later Joanne became a compassionate and skilled care giver to the elderly and was very attached to her clients, going the extra mile to show her support and love. Family has always been a main focus of Joanne's life. She showed her love daily by always being there for her caring husband and through the support and guidance she gave four children. She also continually shared hugs, proud smiles, and encouraging words with her beautiful grandsons. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her friends, reading, playing cards, and writing weekly letters to her family and many friends who lived too far away. Joanne will be fondly remembered as a loving mother and wife, affectionate grandmother, dear friend, and a woman of strength, character, and integrity. Joanne is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jack Barrette of Plattsburgh, and four children. Lisa and Stephen Gratto of Morrisonville; Christopher Barrette of New York City; Shawn and Angelina Barrette of Clayton, North Carolina; and Mary Barrette of Albany. She leaves five grandsons who were so dear to her heart; Schuyler, Gabriel, and Christian Gratto; Adrien and Evan Barrette. Her surviving siblings include Dianne Dowling Henrickson of Oaksdale, WA; Patrick and Heidi Dowling of Steptoe, WA; Michael and JoAnn Dowling of Spokane, WA; Dennis Dowling of Rosalia, WA, and Monica and Paul Schrader of Rosalia, WA, plus many cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father, William and Marie Dowling, and her brother, David Dowling. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 14, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations can be made to the Joanne Barrette Memorial Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com