In Loving
Memory

Dorothy MacDonald Barson

July 1, 1930 – January 26, 2023

Dorothy MacDonald Barson, age 92, a resident of Richmond VA, formerly of Wappingers Falls NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, surrounded by family.

Dorothy was born to Oscar and Dora MacDonald on a farm in Missouri, the youngest of nine children. After graduating from high school, she moved to Ames, IA where she worked as a receptionist/secretary for a doctor’s office. While in Ames, she met her husband, Fred Barson. After their marriage, they moved to New York to start their family. Dorothy was a dedicated wife and enjoyed being a mother to her two daughters. Her kindness extended to many of the children of the neighborhood, who loved to spend time with “Mommy Barson”. After her daughters were grown, Dorothy worked for 45 years for the National Park Service as a tour guide at Eleanor Roosevelt’s home, Valkill, in Hyde Park, NY. Dorothy loved meeting the people visiting
the park and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of Eleanor and the Roosevelt family. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her husband of 46 years, Fred Barson.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Barb Abu-Jaber (Matt), and Jodie Rowland (Kevin); grandchildren Amir, Talal, Timor, Stuart, Clare, and Jacob;  and great-grandchildren Xander, Ripley, and Shepard. Dorothy also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her and her joy for life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, and/or Smile Train.

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