FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Gail Barrera of Framingham, Mass., passed away Nov. 8, 2020, at the age of 85 after a long battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 21, 1935, at Porter Hospital in Middlebury, Vt.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Joseph E. Barrera. She was predeceased by her mother, Alda Andrews; her father, Fletcher Marcielle; her stepfather, Dr. B.F. Andrews; a stepbrother, Dr. B. J. Andrews; and a stepsister, Elizabeth Andrews Goodro.
Her early education took place in a small schoolhouse in Salisbury, Vt., followed by Middlebury Grammar School in Middlebury, Vt. She was a 1953 graduate of Middlebury High School. Gail worked as a beautician in Middlebury until her marriage to Joe, also a 1953 MHS graduate. They never dated in high school. They were married in St. Mary’s church in Middlebury in June 1960. She became a certified nursing assistant and worked at a local nursing home for 20 years. In 1990 she was named employee of the year. The reward was an all-expense-paid week at Disney World in Florida. She and Joe had a wonderful time in perfect weather.
There is a possibility that she missed out on “15 minutes of fame.” She always thought she was the youngest passenger to be aboard the side-wheeler steamer Ticonderoga on its last cruise. It was a medical conference. Dr. B. F. Andrews, who served aboard the ship “Pocahantas” during World War I, took Gail and Mrs. Andrews on the cruise. Sadly, there was no passenger list.
During a radiation treatment at the Framingham Union Hospital she was pleased and happy to see that she and Joe are the first two names on a dedication plaque. They had made a donation years before.
 Gail’s favorite color was red and she always had bright red flowers in her flower beds, boxes, and hanging pots at her home.
Contribution may be made to cancer organizations.
There will be no visiting