Barbara Berry Clancy, 81, long time resident of Wilton, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Dec. 20, 2025, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease. In her last days, she was surrounded by love and family.
Barbara was born Nov. 12, 1944 in Wilmington, DE. She was raised in Newark, DE by her parents Robert Castgrain (“Bob”) Berry and Miriam Blanche Lee (“Bee”) Berry. It was in Newark that she met her future husband and the light in her life, Martin Clancy. The two would attend the University of Delaware, Barbara studying art history. After college, she began a teaching career that, after a brief pause to raise her children, would stretch several decades.
Barbara loved being a teacher, both for her children and grandchildren but also for the many who enjoyed her years at Miller-Driscoll Elementary School. With the help of “Mr. Mouse,” her trusty puppet, she instilled a love of reading with any students lucky enough to pass through her library. Like her parents, Barbara had an avid curiosity that enabled a lifelong of learning. She played the piano, made amazing Christmas toffee, constantly researched new children’s authors (for her library), appreciated good artwork, volunteered for the Wilton Library, was a member of the P.E.O., and was active in her church (serving as Deacon for many years at Wilton Congregational Church). As much as she loved Wilton, the town she would call home for nearly 50 years, she was a beach girl at heart, spending as much time as she could with her family in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
In addition to Marty, Barbara is survived by her sons Stephen Brewster Clancy (Sara), William Ryan Clancy (Dominique), and her grandchildren Oliver, Finnegan, Beau, Cole and Piper. Barbara lost her sister Carolyn Scheer just a short while ago and is survived by her brother-in-law Peter Scheer, her nephew Sander Scheer, and niece Ginger Oros. She is also survived by several cousins who were more like siblings throughout her life.
Alongside Marty, Barbara taught her family to laugh often and love unconditionally. Her clear blue eyes, broad smile and amazing laugh will be missed by many.
Calling hours will be held at Wilton Congregational Church in Wilton from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16 at Wilton Congregational Church, with a reception immediately following in the church’s Pilgrim Hall.
The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, visit the Carpino Funeral Home online.