As many of you know, Barbara Alperen, beloved wife of Sloop Jones, passed away on July 16. Today her family and friends will celebrate her life, and everyone is welcome and invited to attend.
The memorial service will take place today, Sunday, August 3, at 1 p.m. at Newfound Cottage on the easternmost end of Centerline Road where the pavement meets the sea. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share while joining Sloop in celebrating Barbara’s life.
We were asked to pass along her obituary to all of you…
Barbara Joyce Alperen, age 64, passed on to the next world on July 16, 2014.
Born March 9, 1950 to Samuel and Eleanor Alperen in Lewiston, Maine, Barbara was a longtime St. John resident and beloved wife of Terry McKoy.
She was known affectionately as “doña Barbara” by those close to her.
Barbara and Terry arrived on St. John in 1989 with 300 t-shirts and a box of paints. Their colorful hand-painted clothing is a St. John icon.
Their gallery of tropical delights was made even brighter and more beautiful by Barbara’s green thumb. Her orchids, jasmine, and ylang ylang infuse the air with sweetness.
Terry and Barbara were partners in life. He remained by her side through her final moments, soothing her pain with jasmine and ylang ylang oils.
Barbara is survived by her husband Terry and siblings, Naomi, Selma, and Martin.
Donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to the St. John Cancer Fund, www.stjohncancerfund.org, or to Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, FL, www.hbts.org.
To share your memories of Barbara, visit www.sloopjones.com/Remembering-Barbara.htm
I am so sorry for your loss, Sloop. I recently visited St. John and fell in love with your island. And I too lost my spouse, my best friend, about 18 months ago to cancer. My heart and soul is filled with love, compassion and understanding for what you are going through. I am sending healing thoughts and prayers to you. Hold on to your memories … they will help to sustain you in the dark nights of your soul. Please remember that Barbara is still with you … she is in the jasmine, tropic breeze, the aqua sea and in the warm sunbeams … every day and always.
Beautiful picture!! Love and miss you Sloop! Chris Roddy
Sloop we have met you and Barbara a number of times. You asked me one time if I was an artist or just a studio bitch. Barbara thought that was funny. Well I’m a studio Stud. I’m lucky to be part of the art community because of Carolyn. You and Barbara are both artists. Love ya, Dan and Carolyn Frary
Go Wayland High