Mary Ann Barowski, 49, an Amherst resident for 25 years, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2010 at home, after a long battle with breast cancer. Daughter of the late Louis and Cecilia Sastri, Mary Ann grew up in Annandale, Virginia, and was an alumna of the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Economics in 1982.

Mary Ann enjoyed spending time with her family, dogs, and birds, as well as listening to Irish music. Mary Ann was employed by the Transportation Security Administration from 2002-2005 and later by the United States Post Office in Amherst.

She was a communicant of Saint Patrick’s Church, Milford.

Mrs. Barowski is survived by her husband of 24 years, John, and their eight children: Margaret Kate, Meghan, Daniel, Cecilia, Jack , Joseph, and Mary Frances. She is also survived by her brother, Jon Sastri and his wife Donna; her mother-in-law, Mariette Barowski; sisters-in-law, Betty Barowski, Lisa Barowski, Janet Pelletier, Susan Mazze and Marie Barowski; and brothers-in-law, Thomas Barowski and Douglas Mazze.

As Bishop Guertin High School played a significant role in Mary Ann’s life, it is her wish that IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, donations be made in her memory to Bishop Guertin High School, 194 Lund Road, Nashua, NH 03060.

Calling hours were Saturday, October 30th from 4:00-8:00 pm and on Sunday from 5:00-9:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, November 1st at 9:00 am in Saint Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial followed in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Amherst. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.