Sallye Jeanne (Davis) Barrett, age 84, received God’s gift of eternal peace on September 2, 2025. She died in the care of her loving family and the hospice team of AHN Wexford Hospital near Pittsburgh.
Sallye was born on November 17, 1940 in Philipsburg, PA, the only child of John P. and Hazel S. (Martin) Davis. She grew up in Reynoldsville, PA, graduated with the Reynoldsville High School class of 1958, and went on to work as a dental hygienist before marrying Robert C. “Bob” Barrett of Punxsutawney on July 16, 1960. Their early married life together took them to U. S. Army posts in Arizona and North Carolina before they returned to Punxsutawney and made their home here for the next 60 years.
As a young stay-at-home mother, Sallye dedicated herself to raising her two children, Chris and Stacy. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney and served as a parent volunteer at the Mary A. Wilson school. Later, she joined the sales staff of the Smart Shop in Punxsutawney where she loved helping customers find just the right outfit and enjoyed opportunities to make seasonal buying trips to New York City and model apparel at local fashion shows. When the Smart Shop closed, Sally went to work at the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce where was proud to help promote community affairs and sell Groundhog Day memorabilia until she retired. Always an encourager, she also found deep satisfaction from participating in the American Cancer Society survivors’ group while that local chapter was active.
Although she faced major lifelong health challenges, Sallye met her goal of making sure that she and Bob could continue living on their own together even after 65 years. She treasured any time she could spend with her family, friends and neighbors and was always enthusiastic about hosting family celebrations, visiting with her grandchildren, and staying connected to cherished friends, especially those from her childhood days in Reynoldsville.
In addition to her beloved husband, Bob, she is survived by her son, Chris, and wife, Laura, of Pittsburgh, PA; her daughter, Stacy, and husband, Paul, of Altoona, PA; four grandchildren: Collin (Paige) Barrett of Pittsburgh, PA; Marla (Mike) Harkins of Fombell, PA; Sarah (Caleb) Parnell of Lexington, VA; and Sean Stuttard of Austin, TX; and one great-granddaughter, Hannah Harkins. She also is survived by four cousins: John Hanks, Sue Matulionis, Patty Wandolowski, and Sally Studlo; two sisters-in-law: Frances Altimore and Linda Riccardo; two brothers-in-law: Ronald Barrett and Daryl Barrett; and many nieces and nephews.
The McCabe Funeral Home, Inc., 114 Maple Avenue, Punxsutawney, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements for Sallye’s private burial at Lakelawn Memorial Park. Visitors will be received on September 20, 2025 beginning at 10 am followed by a service celebrating Sallye’s life at 12 noon at the funeral home.
In place of flowers, the family encourages donations in Sallye’s memory to the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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