Barbara E. (Peterson) Leary, 79, of West Boylston, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in her home after an illness.

   Her husband, George A. Leary, died in 1982. She leaves three children, William G. Leary and his wife Susan of Auburn, Barbara A. Lenahan of West Boylston, and Steven J. Leary and his wife Danielle of West Boylston; three grandchildren, Kelly Leary, and Keith and Brian Lenahan; two brothers, Ed "Pete" Peterson of Oldsmar, Fla. and Paul Peterson of Weeki Wachee, Fla., and several nephews. Her daughter Carol Leary died in 1970.

   Barbara was born in Worcester daughter of Edwin C. and Martha (Thoren) Peterson. She attended North High School and Salter Secretarial School, both in Worcester.

   She was a secretary in the sales dept. at the Wright Line Co. in Worcester, where she worked 35 years. After retiring from Wright-Line, she worked part-time for more than 10 years at the Wal-Mart in West Boylston until last year.

   A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. Friends may visit with the Leary family beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday before the service.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603.