Virginia L. (Nigro) Barry, 89, of Marion died Oct. 1 peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends. Born and raised in Chelsea, “Ginny” was the daughter of the late Louis and Clara (Orlando) Nigro. In 1966, she settled at her home in Marion, where she raised her family with her husband.

Virginia was passionate about family, her garden, her art making and her many friends. She brought beauty into every aspect of her life with friends and family. A successful businesswoman, she was the owner of Virginia Barry Real Estate. As an accomplished pianist at a young age, she played in a professional all-girls band during World War II. Her group opened for Louie Prima, Hoagie Carmichael and Benny Goodman at local USO Clubs.

Driven to create, she was a founding board member of the New Bedford Art Museum and an active member of the Marion Arts Center. Her paintings were exhibited locally and enjoyed by many. Virginia was a lifelong learner. She traveled extensively and attended more than 40 Elder Hostel classes around the world.

Virginia always had her eye to the sea in search of rising fish and working birds. She dearly loved her early morning exploits on the hunt for blues or bass in Marion Harbor and Buzzards Bay.

She is survived by her former husband, Elderic H. Barry, her son Mark L. Barry, his former wife Joan Hartnett-Barry both of Marion, her son Brian M. Barry of Ipswich, her daughter, Kim M. Barry of Mattapoisett, her sister-in-law Althea Nigro, and her grandchildren: Brendan Van Voris, Maura Van Voris, Mark Barry and Steven Barry as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Chapel. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6) Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to South Coast HealthHospice at www.southcoast.org/vna. For an online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.