Marie “Bootsie” Barr

Kill Devil Hills – Marie “Bootsie” Barr died April 29 in Elizabeth City.

Born February 22, 1934, she quickly showed her New York attitude of “Doing Things Her Way,” by constantly kicking off her bootie’s, which caused her father to nickname her “Bootsie.”  Raised by her mother, Bootsie grew up in the “Gulch” of Ossining.  She worked in the medical field for over 30 years, and was an active resident of Ossining for over 50 years.

Bootsie and her companion, Bob Murray, decided to move to the Outer Banks for the winter.   Her love of her many friends and their families made her decision to make the Outer Banks her home for over 30 years, an easy one.  A larger than life personality, Bootsie knew everyone, and was quick with a hug, a kiss, and a warm personal antidote.  She was a member of the Red Hats, Ladies by the Sea, Holy Redeemer Church, Baum Center Card Playing Group, and many other groups.  She was great at getting people together, and was called by many “the Ambassador of the Outer Banks.”   She was an avid New York Giants fan, and made sure everyone knew!  Bootsie loved connecting with people through phone calls, letter writing, or just showing up when something needed to be done.  She was the glue that bound many friends together!

Bootsie was a loving and enthusiastic mother.  She is survived by her greatest accomplishments, Ellen (Frank) Smith, Bobby, and Bruce (Irma) Barr, and eight Grandchildren, Dylan, Wesley, Tyler, Katie, Nicholas, Craig, Tori, and Grace.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Mercier, her Father Edgar Mercier, and many friends.

A funeral mass will be held on June 9 at Holy Redeemer Parish at 11am.  A celebration of her life will follow in the Parish Community Hall.  The family is requesting everyone to write a favorite memory of Bootsie to be added to her Memory Jar, which will be available at the celebration.

Per her request, a memorial mass and burial will be held at a later date, in Ossining, New York, the town she loved so much.

Condolences to the family many be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.. Gallop Funeral Services, Ins. was entrusted with arrangements.