Rosalee Barnes McCullough died at her home on Music street in West Tisbury on June 9. She was 89.

She was born in 1933 in Taunton to Doreen Kane and Clarence A. Barnes of Mansfield. She attended the Mansfield schools and was a graduate of The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Conn. and attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. In the summer months, she and her family lived on Waban Park in Oak Bluffs.

In 1951, while visiting a friend in Pittsburgh, she met David McCullough. They were married in 1954 and lived in New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Vermont, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., Maine, Boston and Hingham. In 1965, they bought their house on Music street where, while raising five children, she provided constant and invaluable support to David in his work as an editor, writer, narrator, teacher, speaker and in television.

Rosalee was appreciated by those who knew her for her kindness, honesty, optimism, energy, humor, grace, her powerful and balanced mind, and love of conversation. She was always productive, helpful to her extended family and practical. She enjoyed a good party and loved to dance. When asked, she always provided great perspective and wisdom. She was relied upon for her moral compass. She was devoted to David. She was happiest when with friends and family.

She is survived by her husband David, children Melissa and her husband John McDonald, David Jr. and his wife Janice, William and his wife Cissy, Geoffrey and his wife Signe, Dorie and her husband Tim Lawson, 19 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her sister Margot Barnes Goodwin. She was predeceased by her brothers Thomas, Samuel and Peter Barnes.

A private graveside service will take place in July in West Tisbury.

Memorial donations can be made to the West Tisbury Library Foundation or the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury.