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BARGER, Mary Elizabeth Of Winchester, age 81, died December 29 following a brief illness. Born 7/28/35 in Toledo, Ohio to Ruth I. (Wilson) and Lyman G. Rupp, Mary was the beloved wife, friend, and soulmate of James E. Barger for 59 years. Jim knew she was the woman for him when he spotted her glorious halo of red hair and dazzling smile while walking their college campus. This conviction never wavered. Mary graduated from University of Michigan and married Jim in 1957. She was a proud and powerful stay-at-home mother, raising four children who count themselves blessed to have won the "mom lottery." Mary was a role model to her children and was living proof that one need not be loud to be heard. Apart from teaching 40 sixth graders for a year, Mary never worked outside the home, but was a CEO in volunteer disguise. She served as President of Kappa Alpha Theta, The Winton Club, EnKa Society, Winchester Garden Club and the PTAs of 5 different schools in Winchester. In addition to her many volunteer efforts in Winchester, Mary served with the Ladies Committee of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston class of 1994. Mary was a mother to four, but a den mother to many. Her home was central to neighborhood flashlight tag, kick the can, and an annual Christmas caroling party. Once the children visiting her home were grandchildren, her extravagant welcome included macaroni and cheese, cinnamon toast and hugs, always hugs. Mary was a gifted bridge player, embroider and seamstress. Most of all, she was a gifted human being. As Jim described his immediate fascination beyond her beauty, "She was so nice to total strangers, I couldn't even imagine how nice she'd be to her husband." Mary was a caring and compassionate friend to many, providing food, rides and good cheer to those in need. In addition to Jim, Mary leaves daughter Elaine Barger of Woburn, daughter Carolyn Hanson and husband, Eric, of Andover, son Jim Barger and wife, Rita, of Pittsford, NY, and daughter Corinne Noordzij and husband, Pieter, of Hingham. Grandchildren are Alexis, Jim, Eddie and Wills Fleckenstein, Cory (and husband Kasper) Burgerhout, Eric (and wife, Lindsey), Peter (and wife, Liz) and Jeffrey Hanson, Jim, Scott, Julie and Mary Barger, Jake, Maarten, and Renee Noordzij. Mary also leaves sister Ruth Brungraber and husband, Robert, of Spring Lake, NJ. Visiting Hours: Funeral will be at the First Congregational Church of Winchester, 21 Church St., on Wednesday, January 4th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one's favorite charity in remembrance of Mary. -