Mrs. Barry

Elizabeth Barry (nee Murray) was the wife of George Barry and the mother to Diana and Minnie May Barry.

Early life
Elizabeth was born sometimes in 1840s. She was born in Newbridge to the Murray family and had one brother, Charles.

Marriage with George Barry
In 1860s Elizabeth met George Barry and fell in love with him. They married probably in 1864. Aunt Atossa was worried all would not be well.

Motherhood
In February 1865 she gave birth her older daughter. Diana inherited her look and black hair. Perhaps Diana's friendliness came from her father. Elizabeth often worried that she read too much.

Eight years later her second daughter Minnie May Barry was born around in 1873.

Personality
Elisabeth Barry, according to Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde, was not a friendly character. She accused Anne of giving Diana red-currant-wine on purpose, although it was an accident.

Relationships
Anne Shirley



Anne wanted desperately to become 'bosom friends' with Diana. Marilla Cuthbert warned her not to 'say anything startling' because Mrs Barry was a hard woman to please'. Anne did her best and played with and became dear friends with Diana.

When Diana was invited for tea to Green Gables, she drank currant wine in the place of raspberry cordial. Anne did not mean it. She ran straight to Elizabeth and begged pardoned with tragic gestures and long words as soon as she heard the word, but Mrs. Barry thought they were merely making fun of her.

Then Elizabeth banned Diana her friendship with Anne. But one winter night when Elizabeth was with George in Charlottetown, Minnie May was sick and Diana called Anne for a help. For a while, Anne had everything under control and saved Minnie May's life. After this event, Elizabeth forgave Anne and was nice to her.

Behind the scenes
Sara Haden portrayed her in 1934 film Anne of Green Gables. Her character in this movie was named Mrs. Rachel Barry and was the hybrid of Rachel Lynde and Elizabeth Barry.
 * In the books, her first name is unknown. It appeared only in movie credits.
 * Elizabeth's maiden name was Murray, in Anne of Green Gables Diana's cousins the Murrays from Newbridge came to a concert. In Anne of Avonlea Diana mentioned that her uncle Charles lived in Newbridge, which means that he's part of the Murray family. He must be Elizabeth's brother, because George Barry was born and raised in Avonlea and had different surname.
 * Rosemary Radcliff portrayed Elizabeth in all three Kevin Sullivan's films, Anne of Green Gables (1985), Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987) and Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (1999).
 * Helen Horton portrayed Mrs. Barry in 1972 TV series Anne of Green Gables.
 * Sydney Sturgess portrayed her in 1956 TV film Anne of Green Gables.


 * Carolyn Lee portrayed Mrs. Barry in 1919 silent movie Anne of Green Gables.

Book appearance

 * Anne of Green Gables (first appearance)
 * Anne of Avonlea (mentioned only)
 * Anne of the Island

Movie appearance

 * Anne of Green Gables (1919)
 * Anne of Green Gables (1934)
 * Anne of Green Gables (1956)
 * Anne of Green Gables (1972)

Kevin Sullivan's movies

 * Anne of Green Gables (1985)
 * Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987)
 * Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (1999)

