Barbara Jean Cary

Cary, Barbara “Barb” nee: Shaw, of O’Fallon, MO, died on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at the age of 78. Loving wife of the late Morgan Cary; beloved daughter of the late Guy and Nellie Shaw; devoted mother of Christine Cary Vaccaro (James Helton II); cherished grandmother of Ryan Thomas, Anthony Vaccaro, Aidan Vaccaro, Marissa Vaccaro, and Emily Dozier; treasured great-grandmother of Braelyn Dozier. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Alyssa Mae Vaccaro.




Barb was born in the City of St. Louis and then moved to O’Fallon, MO in 1959. Barb was active in the Girl Scouts as an Adult volunteer for over 50 years serving as a leader, cookie chairman, neighborhood secretary, neighborhood chairman, Chairman of District Nominating Committee, and Director of Safari.




She was active in the Ft. Zumwalt School District as a former school board member, Vice President – Citizens Advisory Committee, committee to development goals for the state Board of Education for the next decade, committee to develop a Summer Enrichment Program for the District, and past President of Volunteer Service Corp. She has also helped with all Scoliosis screening tests since its beginning in 1980.




Another important part of her life has been her association with Grace Church United. She was a founding member and Church School Teacher. She helped start the Learning Center. Barb was the organizer and served as Chairman of the Pre-school Amblyopia screening for O’Fallon/St. Peters area sponsored by Grace Church and Lions Club.




She was an avid bowler. She has been on the O’Fallon WBA Board of Directors for, certified coach instructor, secretary of the YABA Junior League, and on the Board of Directors of the St. Charles YABA for. Barb also held offices of League President, Vice President, Secretary and numerous League rules and prize committees.




Mostly, Barb enjoyed being with her family and friends, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.




Memorials to Family Advocacy and Community Training F.A.C.T. This organization supports parents who have children with mental and developmental disabilities and challenges.