Christine Ann Barry, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully at her childhood home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on August 23, 2025, at the age of 67. For the last 21 months of her life, Chris lived courageously with brain cancer, meeting each day with strength, humor, and the unwavering positivity that defined her.
Born on June 6, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana, Chris was the daughter of Henry Ford Barry and Helen Antionette Barry (Sasso), both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Ann Arbor and spent much of her life there, deeply rooted in the community she loved. Chris was a gifted communicator, fundraiser, and servant leader whose career reflected her lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and social good. From 2019 to 2023, she served as a development officer for the Rackham Graduate School at her alma mater, the University of Michigan, where her generosity of spirit, skill in building relationships, and gift for storytelling left an enduring mark. Her work as a fundraiser and grants coordinator also included service at Michigan Ability Partners, advancing services for Veterans and individuals with disabilities; the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation securing vital resources for students and teachers; and at Emerson School in Ann Arbor. She also served from 2015 to 2017 as the Executive Director of Alpha House, a shelter for homeless families in Washtenaw County, where she led with compassion and helped families find stability and new beginnings.
Earlier in her career, Chris worked in the vibrant world of local and regional arts organizations. While living for over a decade in Chicago, she brought her creativity and love of theater to positions with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Next Theatre Company, the Illinois Arts Council, and Court Theatre at the University of Chicago. Upon returning to Ann Arbor, she became the first executive leader of Wild Swan Theater, guiding its work as an acclaimed children’s theater that reached schools and families across Michigan.
Beyond her professional achievements, Chris poured her heart into everything she did. She was the kind of person who always found time to write a thank-you note, celebrate someone else’s success, or offer encouragement (and sometimes chicken soup) just when it was needed most by friends, family members and neighbors. She had a playful love of life’s small joys ̶a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, a good poem ̶and she encouraged others to find and savor those joys too. Chris loved music and was an enthusiastic audience member and supporter of Johnny’s Speakeasy in Ann Arbor and of many individual musicians.
Above all, Chris was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Ella Webb Perry (Zach) and Noah Barry Webb; her cherished grandchildren, Elena Perry and Nicholas Webb; and her siblings and their spouses and partners: Hank Barry (Kathleen), John Barry (Pauline Gagnon), Bob Barry (Linda), Liz Barry (David Bryers) and Cathy Barry (Brian Stevens). Chris was a beloved aunt to ten nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend and former husband, Jeffrey Webb ̶ father to Ella and Noah, grandfather to Elena and Nicholas, and a great support to Chris throughout her recent illness.
Chris was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in the coming months, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and celebrate her remarkable journey.
Chris Barry will be remembered for her positivity in the face of challenge, her deep generosity, and her steadfast belief in the power of kindness. Her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and in the communities she helped to strengthen. Donations in her honor may be made to: Save the Speakeasy savethespeakeasy.com or the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School https://rackham.umich.edu/make-a-gift.
