Marion Shirley Barnes
1930-2021
With sadness, the family of
Marion Shirley (Clarke) Barnes announce
her passing on March 21st in her 91st year.
Born in Malagash, NS, Shirley was the
daughter of the late Auley and Constance (Stewart)
Clarke.
She is survived by her husband Robert
McDougall Barnes, sisters Joan Swetnam of Dartmouth, Jean Atkinson of
Fort Lawrence, Anne (Gary) Crowell of Amherst and brother Garry (Vi)
Clarke of Waverly, NS. and her cousin Charles (Gloria) Joyce of
Brookfield who was raised as a brother in her family. She is also
survived by her four children, Sheri (Rick) Bromer of Parrsboro,
Connie (Eric Rose) Barnes Rose of Montreal, Janice (Jeff McCartney)
Barnes of St.Lazare QC, and Robert Barnes of Gerlach, NV, USA. She is
also survived by six grandchildren, Sarah (William Mericle) Bromer,
Jessica Bromer, Anna Rose, Carmen (Kim Ho) Rose, Claire McCartney,
Steven McCartney and three great grandchildren, Arthur, Theodore and
Lumi as well as many nieces and nieces and nephews. She was
predeceased by brothers-in-law Robert Swetnam, and Jack
Atkinson.
Shirley spent her childhood years in
Malagash before moving to Amherst where she graduated from Amherst
Senior High School and then St. Charles Commercial School in 1949. She
worked at Macleod Jewelers before marrying Bob and raising four
children.
For almost twenty years Shirley worked
as a dental receptionist for Dr. Barry MacLeod.
She joined the Amherst Drama Club in the
early seventies, performing in major roles in several memorable
dramatic productions. Shirley was passionate about theatre and found
much fulfillment in being part of Amherst’s vibrant drama
scene. Later, she returned to her interest in painting. An
accomplished water-colourist, her natural landscape paintings adorn
many walls in Amherst and beyond. Shirley was a former member of the
Sackville Art Association and her work was often shown in their annual
exhibitions at the Owens Art Gallery. In the 2008 show, she was the
featured artist along with her sister, Anne Crowell. She donated many
of her paintings to local charity auctions. As a painter, and as a
person, she loved the beauty of clouds and sunsets, trees and
flowers.
Shirley enjoyed dancing, playing cards
and spending time with friends and family. She was also an avid
reader. She was interested in philosophy and psychology, and she
possessed great insight into human nature. She was very fair-minded
and thoughtful towards others, and she rarely spoke an unkind word
about anyone.
Shirley had a difficult journey with
dementia these last several years, however she passed away peacefully
with Bob at her side. She will be lovingly remembered for her starring
roles as wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend.
Shirley’s family wishes to
thank the staff at Northumberland Hall for their many years of care
and compassion. We thank Liz Purdy for her faithful visits until Covid
restrictions. We are grateful to Anna Turner for her many years of
providing kind attention to Shirley’s care and
well-being.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the
Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church
Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). A funeral service
remembering the life of Marion Shirley Barnes will be held at a later
date.
If desired, memorial donations may be
made to the Cumberland Hospital Foundation, the Cumberland Hospice and
Palliative Care Society, CNIB, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a
charity of choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Shirley’s online memorial at
www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre
Facebook Page.
Click here to View Condolences
19302021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Marion Shirley Barnes 19302021..
furlong jones funeral and cremation services
Décès pour la Ville: Amherst, Province: Nova Scotia