Mary Claire Stringer Barry

Mary Claire (Bloom) Stringer Barry, 88, of Southern Pines, NC died Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Chestnut Grove, PA to Carl and Winnifred Bloom on August 14, 1935. During her childhood, the family moved to Warren, Ohio where Mary Claire graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1952. Upon graduation, she enjoyed a successful career as a legal secretary at Hoppe, Day & Ford in Warren, Ohio. After marrying
Dale Stringer in 1961, she began working at his family’s business, Stringer Jewelry in Girard, Ohio. Mary Claire took over the jewelry store after Dale’s death in 1983, where she was a certified diamond appraiser and engraver. “The Store” was a participant in many people's lives, creating beautiful original jewelry and providing symbols that mattered. Thanks to Mary Claire, the store was also a community hub in downtown Girard. Mary Claire was married to John Barry from 1991 until his death in 2012. John and Mary Claire, avid golfers, made their home in
Pinehurst, NC. Mary Claire was a member of Pinehurst Country Club where she participated in golf leagues and was a volunteer for many tournaments. In 2018, Mary Claire moved to the
Belle Meade community in Southern Pines where she lived until her death.

Many lives were impacted by Mary Claire's dedication to service. She was the president of the Lake to River Girl Scout Council, the Girard School Board, and was the first woman president of
Girard-Liberty Rotary. She was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Pinehurst, where she served as an Elder, a member of the Pastor’s Nominating Committee, Amen Class teacher, Circle member, and prayer ministry coordinator. She was named “Presbyterian Woman of the Year” and “Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women”. Mary Claire's unwavering faith was her life force and an inspiration to all who knew her. Outside of her professional and community involvement, Mary Claire found immense joy in her family. She is survived by her loving daughters, Tammy Stringer (Rick Viola) and Amy Stringer (Resa Chandler). She is predeceased by her brothers, Gene Bloom and Jimmy Bloom.

If you wish to celebrate Mary Claire’s remarkable life, why not: Have a cup of coffee with a friend * play golf with your family or friends * make food for your neighbors * go to church *
teach a Sunday School class * plant flowers * wear a lot of jewelry all at the same time* * maintain high standards * care for those in need * volunteer * “… love the lord your God with
all your heart, soul, mind, and strength”.

A memorial service to honor Mary Claire's life will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church on Everette Road in Pinehurst, NC, on February 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers,
the family kindly requests donations be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everette Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or https://www.communitypres.com/ Mary Claire Stringer
Barry Memorial Fund or First Health Hospice, 251 Campground Rd, West End, NC 27376.