Mary 'Sheila Barrera

Mary ‘ Sheila’ Barrera, 93 of Auburn passed away peacefully Monday  afternoon, October 5, 2020 at SUNY Upstate Hospital in Syracuse.
 She was born in Auburn, the daughter of the late Vito ‘Wllie’ and Beatrice ( Iocolano) Posa. ‘Sheila’ as she was affectionately known by her family and friends lived in New York City for several years until returning to Auburn to open and operate,  the Imported  Knitwear Shop. Together with her late husband Frank, they would own and operate the clothing store which was relocated on the corner of Genesee Street and Williams Street and lastly called, P.B.J. on the Corner for more than 50 years. Sheila’s creativity with dressing up the store , especially in the windows, would have people always stopping and admiring her talents.   Sheila was a longtime communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church and former member of the Italian Heritage Society.
  In her earlier years, Sheila enjoyed playing tennis and was a very talented painter. She also liked an occasional trip to O.T.B. Even though she was a very conservative better,  everyone  would her advise on the horse or jockey in that race and especially on her favorite day, the Kentucky Derby.   Shelia loved being around people and always  found someone to engage in a conversation with. Shelia will be sadly
missed by her family and friends.
  She is survived by her loving children, daughter Paula Barrera and fiancé Frank Bertonica , son John Barrera all of Auburn, four grandchildren Heidi Vanbuskirk, Nina Barrera, twins Lyla and John Barrera Jr., brother-in-law Rocco DeLuca of Buffalo as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her husband Frank L. Barrera in 2012 and several siblings.
Calling hours are this Monday from 4-7 pm in the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 St., Auburn. Sheila’s Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated this Tuesday at 10:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church with the pastor, Rev. Frank Lioi as celebrant. Burial will follow on St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to the SPCA, York St., Auburn

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