Alyson Barrett
– May 15, 2024
Alyson Barrett, 77, passed away on May 15, 2024. Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Alyson graduated from Sir George Williams University, having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, with a focus in wildlife biology. Upon graduation she moved to Ottawa to take up a position with the National Research Council of Canada.
Two years later she accepted an offer from the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Guelph, where she met her future husband, Richard. During her time at Guelph, not only did she excel as a research technician but she also arranged and guided photography tours to a variety of locations in both Africa and South America. Recognizing the foods readily available in our own backyards, she authored a monograph entitled Wild Harvest: An Outdoorsman’s Guide to Edible Wild Plants in North America. Relocating to Florida from Ontario, Canada, in the late 1970s, Alyson and Richard settled first in Sarasota, then Ruskin and, finally, in Sun City Center where she spent many years as director of Greenhouse Operations with Plants of Ruskin.
Their love of travel saw Alyson and Richard visit at least one country on five of the seven continents. Having traveled extensively, they found a corner of the world they embraced – Soley Cove, Nova Scotia. Each of the many summers spent there grew longer with every visit. A committed animal lover, she was rarely seen without at least one dog following behind her.
Music was a huge part of Alyson’s life. Starting with a clarinet and saxophone, Alyson became a proficient reader of music, later learning to play the organ. Also a talented soprano, she received professional training, which she applied throughout her singing career. Alyson was an active member of St. John the Divine, singing in the choir and spending many years as senior warden.
Alyson is survived by Richard, her husband of 43 years; her sister, Joanne (Edward); her niece, Erica (Kyle); step-sons, Stephen (Michelle) and Patrick; step-daughters, Jennifer and Cyndi (Scott); and three step-grandchildren, along with two step-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cared about, spoke about and, of course, shared photos.
Alyson’s memorial service will take place Monday, June 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. John Divine Episcopal Church, Sun City Center. If you wish to make a donation in Alyson’s memory, please consider the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort at 1528 27th Street SE, Ruskin, Florida 33570. C.A.R.E.’s phone number is (813) 645-2273., <a href="http://www.popcc.org">www.popcc.org</a>/.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara’s name to a charity that is important to you.
Two years later she accepted an offer from the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Guelph, where she met her future husband, Richard. During her time at Guelph, not only did she excel as a research technician but she also arranged and guided photography tours to a variety of locations in both Africa and South America. Recognizing the foods readily available in our own backyards, she authored a monograph entitled Wild Harvest: An Outdoorsman’s Guide to Edible Wild Plants in North America. Relocating to Florida from Ontario, Canada, in the late 1970s, Alyson and Richard settled first in Sarasota, then Ruskin and, finally, in Sun City Center where she spent many years as director of Greenhouse Operations with Plants of Ruskin.
Their love of travel saw Alyson and Richard visit at least one country on five of the seven continents. Having traveled extensively, they found a corner of the world they embraced – Soley Cove, Nova Scotia. Each of the many summers spent there grew longer with every visit. A committed animal lover, she was rarely seen without at least one dog following behind her.
Music was a huge part of Alyson’s life. Starting with a clarinet and saxophone, Alyson became a proficient reader of music, later learning to play the organ. Also a talented soprano, she received professional training, which she applied throughout her singing career. Alyson was an active member of St. John the Divine, singing in the choir and spending many years as senior warden.
Alyson is survived by Richard, her husband of 43 years; her sister, Joanne (Edward); her niece, Erica (Kyle); step-sons, Stephen (Michelle) and Patrick; step-daughters, Jennifer and Cyndi (Scott); and three step-grandchildren, along with two step-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cared about, spoke about and, of course, shared photos.
Alyson’s memorial service will take place Monday, June 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. John Divine Episcopal Church, Sun City Center. If you wish to make a donation in Alyson’s memory, please consider the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort at 1528 27th Street SE, Ruskin, Florida 33570. C.A.R.E.’s phone number is (813) 645-2273., <a href="http://www.popcc.org">www.popcc.org</a>/.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara’s name to a charity that is important to you.