Obituary for Mary Teresa Barnes
Mary, known as Teresa to family, Barnes left her earthly home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the age of 84. Mary was born on October 21, 1936 in Jackson County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Vincent C. and Kitty A. (Fillmore) Duffey. Mary was a resident of Springport, Michigan; however, she passed away peacefully in Mecosta County, Michigan at the home of her daughter, Connie, while under the care of Hospice.
Mary attended school at St. Johns in Jackson, but dropped out to secure income to help her family. She returned to school and fulfilled her dream of graduating and receiving her diploma in 1972. She later attended college to become a Food Service Manager. She accomplished these dreams while raising her family and tending to their needs. She developed a passion for working with the residents at the Nursing Homes where she was employed over a span of 40 years. She told stories about the antics of her residents for years after she retired from food service. There was always a joyful tone in her voice when she spoke of those days. She also developed many friendships with employees she supervised. She was always there to help them when they struggled.
Mary was a loving wife and mother. She raised five children of her own and, for several years, assisted with raising her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. During this time, one could only describe her household as full and active. There was always love to be shared in the home she made.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Bud) Lee Barnes, her parents Vincent and Kitty Duffey, an infant brother Almon, her sister Betty Campbell and her brother Louis Duffey. She is survived by sister Julie Fouty of Jackson, son David L. Barnes of Springport, and daughters Terry (Gary) Isham of Charlotte, Sandra (David) Norton of Evart, Connie Freeman of Paris and Susan (Lonnie) Ervin of Lakeview. Mary has 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great–great grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Mecosta County Office on Aging and/or Elara Hospice – also of Mecosta County.
Mary attended school at St. Johns in Jackson, but dropped out to secure income to help her family. She returned to school and fulfilled her dream of graduating and receiving her diploma in 1972. She later attended college to become a Food Service Manager. She accomplished these dreams while raising her family and tending to their needs. She developed a passion for working with the residents at the Nursing Homes where she was employed over a span of 40 years. She told stories about the antics of her residents for years after she retired from food service. There was always a joyful tone in her voice when she spoke of those days. She also developed many friendships with employees she supervised. She was always there to help them when they struggled.
Mary was a loving wife and mother. She raised five children of her own and, for several years, assisted with raising her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. During this time, one could only describe her household as full and active. There was always love to be shared in the home she made.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Bud) Lee Barnes, her parents Vincent and Kitty Duffey, an infant brother Almon, her sister Betty Campbell and her brother Louis Duffey. She is survived by sister Julie Fouty of Jackson, son David L. Barnes of Springport, and daughters Terry (Gary) Isham of Charlotte, Sandra (David) Norton of Evart, Connie Freeman of Paris and Susan (Lonnie) Ervin of Lakeview. Mary has 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great–great grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Mecosta County Office on Aging and/or Elara Hospice – also of Mecosta County.