Laraine E. BarnettBeacon - Laraine Elizabeth Barnett, a resident of Beacon, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. She was 71 years old.Laraine was born on February 17, 1945 in the Bronx, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Mary Pensante Perdus. Laraine grew up in Queens and graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1963. Early in her career, she worked as a Bookkeeper in New York City before moving to Dutchess County. Becoming a Realtor in 1991, Laraine worked for C-21 Country Bumpkin, C-21 Anita Ferri Realty and Exit Drake Realty.Laraine was an accomplished pianist and loved music. From her love of children, she was a volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dutchess County and supported children through Unicef. A lover of animals, Laraine was an advocate for animal rights and had a dog walking business. Laraine was an artist and loved music, theater, going to museums and exploring the art of the world around her.Laraine had an exuberant, sparkling personality and could fill a room with laughter. She loved life and enriched the lives of everyone around her.Laraine is survived by her many friends whom she loved and who loved her.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 31 Willow Street, Beacon. Burial will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill. To send a personal condolence please visit www.halveyfh.com.Funeral arrangements are under the care of Peter T. and Patrick J. Halvey of Halvey Funeral Home, Inc.