Obituary of Marie Barnier

Our Matriarch , our Queen Bee, our Charismatic
Mom has left us but only after living a full, rich and
loving life. She left us peacefully on May 15, 2024
with many memories that none of us would be able
to count. She seemed to know everyone and talk to
them whenever we were out, just like our Dad used
to do. She especially lit up when a little one was
around and just seemed to have extra suckers
hidden in her purse, to their delight.
Mom was really fortunate to have had 94 fulfilled
years with us that we will be sure to cherish and hold
dear to our hearts.

Marie Louise Barnier ( St. Pierre) was raised on a
farm in Grande Pointe by her parents Abraham and
Mary (Bray) St.Pierre. Predeceased by her sister
Laura (Oscar) Charron, Velma (Frank) Baute and
brother Sherley (Theresa Demars) as well as brother
in-law Bill Sanchuk. Survived by sisters Mona (Bill)
Sanchuk, Betty (Gary) Waldon and Sherleys second
wife, Lena

On September 25, 1948, Marie married Joseph
Raymond Barnier (deceased March 20, 2000) at St
Joseph’s church in Chatham. They raised three
children Richard (Wendy) Barnier, Patricia (Terry)
Durance and Carolyn (Paul) Smith and lived in
Dover before moving to Chatham on Spurgeon
Drive. Will also be fondly remembered by Steve
Chevalier.
Marie held several jobs working at British Leaf ,
followed by Libby,s and worked her way up to be
the warehouse foreman that as she would say, was
a Mans job. Marie took great pride in her
achievements. In 1952, Mom and Dad, Uncle
Sherley, Aunt Theresa and Theresa’s brother Junior
Demars, created a well-known country band , The
Melody Ramblers. They played for many years at
weddings and gigs, mostly on weekends. Mom loved
country music, being a gifted singer and would
dance her feet off with Dad whenever she had the
chance – they danced as one. She was the last
remaining member of the original band.

Marie made the BEST “Chicken and Putsin” that
we were fortunate to grow up with. Her nine
grandchildren adored her and added lots of laughter
in the house. She was a classy lady, always dressed
up with her make-up and “bling bling” galore. Over
the years seventeen great grandchildren blessed her
life that she just cherished and on April 15 th she met
and held her first great great grandchild. Her passion
later in life was to travel and get in her car for a drive
and play cards with her many lady friends.
In August 2018 she moved into the Chatham
Retirement Resort where she shared many stories
with people that she knew from the past. She
enjoyed playing games, especially euchre and sang
along with the bands that provided music. She would
not miss a bingo with her coin purse, if she could
help it. I guess that was the gambler in her. Age
really slowed her down , but she always said she
was quite content there as she enjoyed laughs with
the staff and extra attention sharing her candy dish
with her grandchildren referring to her as Grandma
Treats. Many thanks for the loving care that the staff
provided.

A very special Thank you to the staff, nurses and
volunteers at Chatham Hospice, we all appreciate
the compassion expressed to Mom in her final days.
Donations to Chatham Hospice would be greatly
appreciated
She has supported our family with amazing
strength, courage and kindness, even in our difficult
times. She prayed for us, said her rosary and always
told us “Everything will be OK”. We are so blessed to
have had her with us, being in healthy and
independent self, for so long.
Heaven will be fortunate to have added another
gifted angel in their choir with Dad beside her
playing his guitar. Give Dad a hug from us Mom,
sing some old tunes, do the two step together and
have a great game of cards with the rest of the
gang. You will be missed.

Friends and relatives may visit at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on May 24, 2024.  

A Celebration of Life the Funeral Home on Saturday May 25, 2024 at 11 AM.  

Burial will be in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Donations to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.