June Barnes

In Loving Memory of June Barnes

June Barnes of Barrie, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, at the age of 82.

Born on June 15, 1944, in Regina, Saskatchewan, June was the beloved daughter of Owen and Jean Lennon.

On July 17, 1965, June married Thomas Barnes. Together, they built a wonderful life, first in Brampton, Ontario, and later in Barrie, where they moved in 2001. They raised three children and shared 59 years of marriage, creating a lifetime of memories with their family.

June spent her career at Sunworthy Wallcoverings, where she worked in office administration and information technology. Following her retirement, she devoted nearly 20 years to volunteering at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, generously giving her time to help others. She was also an active member of St. James United Church, and her faith was an important part of her life and a source of comfort and peace.

Family was at the heart of June’s life. She treasured time spent together, particularly the summer and fall days at the family cottage in Muskoka and winters skiing up north. June loved the outdoors and seemed to have boundless energy. She remained active and healthy through gardening, biking, skiing, and pedaling around the lake at the cottage.

June had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went. She will be remembered for her positivity, kindness, warmth and strength, her impeccable sense of style, and, above all, her fierce devotion to her family. She lived her life with integrity, honesty and a strong moral compass. She was someone people could count on, and she was deeply loved and admired by so many.

June was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Barnes; her parents, Owen and Jean Lennon; four brothers; three sisters; a brother-in-law; and a sister-in-law.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Kelly), Pattie (Jamie), and Leslie; her four grandchildren, Thomas, Sara, Brooke, and Jake; her beloved sister and best friend, Lynn Vellenoweth, and brother-in-law Fred Vellenoweth; her sister, Mary Patzwald; and her many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honour June’s memory perform an act of kindness for someone else, a simple gesture that reflects the kindness and generosity with which she lived her own life.