Alison Barrett's Obituary
In the early hours of August 14, 2025, Alison Lee “Sunny” Barrett, 83, of Edgewater, Maryland took her last breath and transitioned peacefully with dear friends by her side.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut to Richard Adrian Barrett (b. 7/7/1908) and Josephine Gilbert Paret Barrett (b. 4/30/1911), Alison and her older brother, Colin , spent much of their childhood overseas while their father served in the U.S. Air Force and traveled with family on vacations to France, England, Spain, Italy, Holland, and Austria. After graduating from Kaiserslautern American High School in Germany, Alison studied history and German at the University of Maryland in Munich and then graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio.
Alison’s love for international travel continued throughout her life. She traveled to Iran in her role as a Human Resources officer on official U.S. government business. Beginning in 2016, she returned to Germany, the United Kingdom and France and more recently enjoyed domestic travel visiting friends in Texas and other locations.
Alison’s work life started in Munich, Germany as a mail clerk at the University of Maryland’s Munich Branch. Her 35-year career in human resources included work at Harry Diamond Labs, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. From 1965 until 1978, Alison worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). After retiring from the government, Alison worked as a Personal Trainer at Curves, delighting in supporting others’ health and well-being.
Alison shared 23-happy years with her sweetheart William “Bill” Kaht living on his 40- foot cruiser in the Annapolis area. After his passing, Alison lived in her house in Edgewater with her faithful dog, Lady Dog Barrett, who will now be cared for, as Alison wished, by a dear friend.
Alison will surely be remembered for all her contributions to Partners in
Care, Londontown Historical Society, Annapolis Friends Meeting, and the Kiwanis club. For the Kiwanis club in Edgewater, she held both the Treasurer and Secretary positions for many years, and most recently managed the club rental calendar and dinner meeting notices. She delighted in describing how the wonderful Breakfast with Santa event served the community and how important service to others is.
Alison started coming to Annapolis Friends Meeting (Quakers) in 2023 and quickly became an active community member with enthusiasm and joy. She was a vital member of the Quaker Market and Library Committees, and was well known for her energy and willingness to help wherever it was needed. More recently, she also co-clerked the Communications and Outreach Committee where she gladly learned new technologies which enabled her to operate online meetings and web-based sign-up forms. Alison developed many close relationships among Friends, and will be remembered for her loving kindness, and her joyful presence accentuated by her infectious smile.
Alison will be remembered for her kindness, joy and unwavering commitment to service. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of generosity and Light. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The green burial that Alison requested will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Bestgate Memorial Park, 814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. On August 30, 2025, there will be a Memorial Service held 2:00 pm at Annapolis Friends Meeting, 351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her honor or to one of Alison’s, such as the Kiwanis Club of Edgewater, the Londontown Historical Society, Partners in Care, or the Annapolis Friends Meeting.
What’s your fondest memory of Alison?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alison?
Share a story where Alison's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alison you’ll never forget.
How did Alison make you smile?
