Elaine Loretta (McCormack) Barrett

Elaine Loretta (McCormack) Barrett, age 84, passed away Friday evening in Danvers. She joined her husband of 52-plus years, James, in eternal rest. Together they built a life in Lawrence where they raised a family and were active in the Colonial Heights Association and Saint Patrick’s Parish. Elaine is survived by her three children: eldest son Daniel Barrett and his wife Danielle, and their sons Ryan, Aidan, and Nathan; daughter Joanna Martinuk and her husband James, and their sons Foster and Griffin; and son Stephen Barrett and his wife Jorgelina.

Born in Beverly to Angus Edward McCormack and Germaine Corinne (LeBel) Fugere, Elaine was one of six children. She was predeceased by her oldest sister Marjorie June Gunn and brother-in-law Charles T. Gunn of Danvers. Elaine is also survived by siblings Edward McCormack and his wife Julia of Ogden, Utah, Patricia Lincoln and her husband Wayne of Braintree, William McCormack and his wife Deborah of Milton, N.H., and Linda Corning and her husband Gary of Seabrook, N.H., as well as her sister-in-law Ellen (Barrett) Shockley, her husband Richard, and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Beverly High School, Elaine lived with her sister Pat. She reminisced throughout her life about nights out dancing and trips with friends. She began working at the United Shoe in Beverly where she first met her husband, marrying in 1967. She later worked at the Lanham Club, the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, and MB Distributors.

She was a voracious reader, tackling many of the most difficult works in literary history, including Anna Karenina, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the twelve volume A Dance to the Music of Time. She liked Peppermint Patties, Charleston Chews, and candy canes. She fired and painted ceramics, decorating the house with the seasonal ornaments she created. She enjoyed Neil Diamond and Nana Mouskouri and often sang around the house. She loved trees and cats. She knitted and sewed, making clothes and stuffed animals for herself and her children.

But above all else, she was a devoted mother and friend; someone always willing to talk, and to listen, and to contemplate the enigmatic aspects of life. She was gentle and kind. She will be missed, remembered, and forever loved.

Visitation for Elaine will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4-7pm at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on February 27, 2026 at 10am at St. Thomas Church, 1 Margin Street, Peabody, MA. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Alzheimer’s Association.