Family heartbroken after deadly fire

LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Despite attempts by her husband of nearly seven decades to save her, a Lincoln woman was killed in a fire Tuesday morning at her home in Lincoln.

Crews were called to the scene after 6:30 a.m. When they arrived, thick smoke and intense flames were pouring out of the home at 107 Boulevard Ave.

• Photos: Intense fire devours Lincoln home

Jeannette Barry, 91, was killed in the fire. Her husband, Henry Barry, 90, made it out of the home safely.

"My dad had gotten up and went on his computer, which was in the basement. He could smell smoke, so he went to investigate," said Sheila Loureiro, the victim's daughter.

Barry said he tried to save his wife, who was sleeping upstairs.

"I couldn't get upstairs to the bedroom. I managed to get to the kitchen door and open it to try and let some smoke out, but then I couldn't get back in. It was just so quick."

The fire abruptly ended a relationship that had endured decades.

"She was the only girl I ever had. We met when we were 18. I went into the service and we got married in 1945," he said. "I never dreamed it would happen like this. I'm still trying to put things together. I don't know what's going on right now."

Together Henry and Jeannette Barry have four children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

"I love her so much," Loureiro said, trying to hold back tears. "She was sweet. The whole family loved her."

My mémère is just sweet and was always there for me, and always there for her family," said granddaughter Laura Reynolds, who recalled how her grandmother always had soup and sandwiches for those who visited.

It took about two hours for crews to bring the stubborn fire under control.

The Medical Examiner's Office and State Fire Marshal were called to the scene to investigate.