Barrys' convictions something to celebrate

While I commend John Barsanti for prosecuting Jill and Julie Barry, I disagree with his statement that their convictions are "nothing to celebrate."

True, the guilty verdict does not bring their mother back to life, nor does it provide for her a more peaceful and less painful end-of-life journey. But it does signify that, though many systems failed to protect her in her life, the justice system finally vindicated her dignity in the end.

From the 911 call to Judge Anderson's verdict, the system worked because the professionals followed the law. The truth of what had occurred behind closed doors was finally revealed and two criminally negligent women are being held accountable for their actions.

Sadly, help didn't come soon enough for Mary Virginia but her death and the pain she endured while alive were not in vain. In the future, "caregivers" just might think twice before allowing another human person to suffer as Mrs. Barry suffered. Also, hopefully, those in the periphery - neighbors, doctors and relatives - will keep in better direct contact with elderly people in time to save them, if necessary.

If those are the consequences of this guilty verdict, then it is indeed something to celebrate.

Kate Bochte

Geneva