Dorothy "Dottie" L. Barrett

Wilbraham - Dorothy “Dottie” L. Barrett, 94, passed away on June 4, 2025. Born in Chicopee, MA on November 28, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Florence Nitcavic and Walter L. Gaj Sr. Dottie was a graduate of the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing obtaining her Registered Nurse licensure. She worked at the Springfield Hospital Medical Center (now Baystate Hospital) for many years as a Charge Nurse and Ward Supervisor. Later she worked in the offices of Dr. Donald Egan and Dr. William Beachman. She taught EMT training at Springfield College and various Fire and Police Departments. Dottie was a Red Cross volunteer and taught CPR for many years. She participated in the Harvard University Nurses Health Study for 51 years. Dottie was a member of the St. Cecelia’s Women’s Club and St. Cecelia’s Senior Connection. In her retirement she was an active member of the Red Hat Society member. Dottie loved attending New Day Church initially located in West Springfield, then Enfield with her family. She was sorry that her health prevented her from physically attending the current Agawam location. Dottie was predeceased by her husband John Barrett in 2003, her brother Walter L. Gaj Jr. in 2014 and her son James W. Barrett in 2021. She leaves her son Shawn Barrett and his fiancé Heather Moreau of Springfield; her daughter Florence Barrett of Agawam; her granddaughter Angela Barrett and her partner Benjamin Okin of New York; her grandson John Barrett of Springfield; her daughter-in-law Terri Shaw-Barrett of East Longmeadow; her cousins Margaret Poupolo and David Averill of Chicopee. Per Dottie’s written request there will be no calling hours and her burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dottie’s memory may be made to New Day Church, P.O. Box 405, West Springfield, MA 01090.