Kay A. (Youngman) Barretto, 64 of Salem, NH, died peacefully on Wednesday at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, after a long and inspirational battle with breast cancer.

Kay was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Stanley and Georgia (Smith) Youngman. She grew up and was educated in western New York and graduated from Alfred State University in NY. She was a resident of Salem for 35 years.

Kay was a Ministry Coordinator and very active member of the Saints Mary and Joseph Parish in Salem. She worked and volunteered extensively in the community over the years, including NH Partners in Education, volunteer coordinator for North Salem Elementary, aide at Lancaster Elementary, and president of the Salem Farmers Market. She was awarded the Pink Diamond Award for her selfless contributions to the community by the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce in 2009. Her latest passion was for the End 68 Hours of Hunger program through the SAU District 57 in Salem, NH, where she worked to provide underprivileged kids with meal kits, birthday cakes, and numerous outdoor clothing and supplies.

But of all her callings, her favorite was being a full-time mom, which she described as "the best gig in town." She loved spending time with her family and new grandchildren and was known for giving fantastic hugs. She loved to travel, and in recent years made trips across Europe, Iceland, Australia, and the U.S.

Kay never gave up in her fight with cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2003, and went into remission a year later. When the cancer returned in 2014, she began a series of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which she always selflessly endured with her signature tenacity and grace. Kay's family wishes to acknowledge and thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital for their caring and professional efforts, which afforded Kay several more months to enjoy her life and to be with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband Steven Barretto of Salem, NH

Children: Jarrod Barretto and his wife Emily Long, Gloria and her husband Mitch Granoff

Siblings: Joy and her husband Sam Biondo, Ray Youngman, and Tim Youngman and his husband Stephen Victor

Grandchildren: Everett and Avery Granoff, and Frances Kay Barretto-Long

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Sunday, June 18th from 2-5 PM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd, Salem, NH.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 19th at 10 AM at the church, followed by a mercy meal. Burial will take place at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to: End 68 Hours of Hunger, 38 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH. 03079

The Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Rd, Windham, NH, has care of Kay's arrangements. To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com