Jean Marie Barr

Jean Marie Barr, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 84 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 23, 1942, in Warren, Pennsylvania, to Helen and Joe Massa Sr., Jean grew up in Warren and attended Warren Area High School. It was there that she met John Barr, the man who would become her husband and lifelong love. They married in Warren and later moved to Harbor City, California, where they raised their six children.

After many years devoted to raising her family, Jean followed her calling to work with young children. She earned her Early Childhood Education Certificate from UCLA and spent 25 years teaching preschool at The Learning Tree. She was happiest when surrounded by little ones, and her students and their families were the beneficiaries of her warmth, patience, and genuine love for children.

An avid sports fan, Jean rarely missed a chance to cheer on her grandchildren. She attended high school and college games throughout the years, often wearing several different team shirts for a single weekend so she could proudly support every one of them. She faithfully watched and cheered on the Minnesota Vikings, and was also a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jean was a faithful and active member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and was part of the Sacred Heart Guild. She found deep peace and happiness in her faith and in the company of her church family.

She leaves behind 6 beautiful children, 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and her beloved brother and his family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John Barr.

Funeral services will be held at St. Margaret Mary Church on November 24, 2026. Rosary at 10:30 a.m.; with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.

The family will hold a private burial immediately following the Mass.