Memorial Service in Ireland will be held on November 1,2021 at 10am EST – 2pm Irish Time
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Eileen Poulter Barrett (November 6,1939 – October 2, 2021)
To be beautiful means to be yourself. – Thich Nhat Hanh
Eileen Barrett, of Alexandria VA and Enniscrone, Ireland, touched so many lives as a beloved wife and mother, a cherished member of a large family, and a brilliant colleague and dear friend to countless artists with whom she worked – all will miss her generous heart, infectious laugh, and her ability to tell a great story.
She was born in London to Claude Poulter and Eileen Gannon. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Barrett, Jr., on October 20, 1974, in New York City and welcomed the birth of their son Michael Sean on the Fourth of July, 1976.
Along with her husband and son, she is survived by her sister Sheila Schupp; her in-laws Frances McGettigan Barrett; Letitia and Santo Bisignano; Chris Barrett and Anne Gibbons; Timothy and Vicki Barrett; Loretta Barrett Evans and her fiancé Mark Hutter. Eileen also cherished her extended family of nieces and nephews.
Building on her professional training at Seventa Makeup Academy in London in the 60s Eileen established herself as one of the foremost hair and makeup artists regionally in theatre, film, and television. A member of Local 798 (Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists) since 1996, she also served as business agent and steward. A singular achievement is founding the multinational Duchess Limited, which marketed her patented Frosting Cap for hair, used worldwide in 80 countries.
To mirror Eileen’s spirit, there will be two Celebrations of Life. The first will be in the Fort Ward Amphitheatre on Tuesday October 12, at 1:00 p.m. At a later date, the second will be held in Enniscrone, Ireland, near her beloved Rainbow’s End Cottage, and her ashes will be scattered in Killala Bay.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fort Ward Amphitheatre, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA, on Tuesday, October 12 at 1:00 pm. This outdoor Amphitheatre has concrete seating so feel free to bring seat cushions. Masks are requested. Casual dress please.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA, 22314, to include flowers, electronic condolences and details such as the film of the celebration in Ireland.
A contribution in Eileen’s name can be made to PETA.
Offer Condolence for the family of Eileen ” The Duchess ” Poulter Barrett
4301 W. Braddock Road Alexandria 22304
10/12/2021
1:00pm -
Darling Eileen,
There are a few people in this family that would be ever present… And you dear cousin are one of the few! It’s just so odd that you aren’t here… and I can’t believe you didn’t meet Bonnie! Isn’t it funny, all these years I hardly saw you, but you were so hugely affecting it’s crazy… Almost every event with you I remember intensely… I’ll miss you and the possibly of seeing you again soon. Xx
Much love and sympathy to Larry and Michael xx
Eileen will be my everlasting “soul sister.” Side by side and heart to heart we embraced our journey of over 50 (!) years of friendship. Memories of the two of us celebrating life over a cup of tea with lots of laughter will always be with me. Our long friendship cracked open our hearts in a way that made us spiritual family. I am so sorry for your loss, Larry, Michael, and all of us who had the gift of knowing and loving Eileen.
Dear Cousin Eileen, this is just a note to let you know that you, with your lovely open and approachable ways, will be sorely missed here in London.
Rich’ and I went to West Kensington last Sunday; Gunterstone Rd, Gwendwr Rd and Gwendwr Gardens look the same as they always did. The entrance to your Mum & Dad’s club also looks the same. The “Three Kings” pub is now the “Famous Three Kings”; both our Mums & Dads would have had a drink there. Brother Mick still does.
We’ll make another visit when you have your second celebration of life in Enniscrone.
Fond regards to brother Claudie.
Love.
Cousin Pete.
Stephen and I have shed more than a few tears since learning of Eileen’s passing. Sharing time with Eileen at her and Larry’s home made our Alexandria years far brighter than that time would have been otherwise. She was so much fun – her soul shone through and she was one of the most non-judgmental (cool) individuals we’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. We’ve been reminiscing much of the many times spent in her delightful company, her stories and our shared laughter. We extend deeply heartfelt condolences to Larry, Michael, our lovely Loretta, Sheila (and the rest of the Barrett/Poulter clan). We can only imagine the depth of their grief at the loss of precious, one-of-a kind Eileen. She is now stardust and golden, eternally all of ours. With much love and many hugs from Karen and Stephen.
Sending love and condolences to Larry, Michael and to their family. Eileen was a very dear friend of mine. I am heartbroken that I will not be able to get together with her for tea and conversation any more. She was a true blue friend, who always was there for me during the good times and the sad times of my life. I loved Eileen so much and I will miss her every day.
Dearest Eileen
Thank You for being my cousin, it has been an honour and a privilege.
Thank You – and Larry – for such lovely memories that were shared at our last reunion in Enniscrone.
Most of all, Eileen, Thank You for just being wonderful you.
Dear Larry and Michael,
Please know that you are sincerely in our thoughts at this very sad time.
From Helen, Laura and Theodore, with love and prayers x
Eileen will certainly be missed. I have fond memories of working next to her doing hair for film and theater. She had incredible talent and laughter that would rock the room . I am grateful that my life was touched by knowing her.. I will see your face in every flower…
RIP missing you ❤️
Dearest Eileen – Thank you for being my Cousin it has been an honour and a privilege.
Thank you and Larry for such lovely memories that were shared at our last reunion in Enniscrone.
Most of all Eileen – Thank you for just being wonderful unforgettable you.
Dear Larry and Michael please know that you are sincerely in our thoughts at this very sad time.
From Helen, Laura and Theodore with love and prayers x.
Dearest Eileen,
We will miss you. Yours was a life well lived and well loved.
With our Deepest condolences dear Larry and Michael.
Love,
Sam and Grace Rogers
Sending our deepest condolences to Larry and Michael on the passing of Eileen. Our beautiful cousin will be sadly missed here in ballina. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Sending love and prayerful support to Larry and Michael as they part with beautiful Eileen now winging her way to her heavenly reward for a life of service to all who came into contact with her. Good-bye Eilleen, good-bye.
Sadly sending love and prayerful support to Larry and Michael as they part with beautiful Eileen winging her way to her heavenly reward for a life of loving service to all who came into contact with her. Good-bye Eileen, good-bye.
Eileen gave us all a wonderful heartfelt welcome to her beautiful Irish home. It was always good to hear about her interesting and successful career and reminisce about the fun family times in Castletown Road. We will treasure the memories. Our thoughts are with Larry and Michael and her extended American family. From Cousins Tommy, Petrina, Amedeo, Tamara, Andy, Lara and Lucy.
RIP Eileen. We will always have fond memories of meeting you when we visited Paula in Ireland. You were very kind to us and a lovely Lady. Our thoughts are with your family x
Larry, Michael and all the Barrett’s – you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most tragic and difficult time.
So very sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing .sincere condolences to her Husband and son . And all her families. RIP
Your cousin in galway
Kathleen Naughton (Gannon)
Sending all our Love to Larry & Michael .Words cant describe how Heartbroken we are But we will cherish all the Fun times Parties & Wonderful Memories of our dear cousin Eileen. Fly high with the Angels & Rest in Eternal Peace Eileen.xxx
Love Brenda Gerry & Roisín xxx
Sending all my love from Ireland to Larry and Michael- we’ve lost a very special person and she will be missed forever
I am deeply saddened to be writing this. As one of Eileen’s cousins, I will remember her for her great optimism and the support she would give, qualities that many in our extended family would recognise gratefully. On behalf of my wife and myself, I offer Larry and Michael as well as all the others who were touched by Eileen in the USA, our condolences. We will always remember her and what she achieved in her life.