October 3, 1926 – December 20, 2020
Our beloved matriarch passed away peacefully on Dec. 20th, 2020 at the rich age of 94 years. She was born on Oct. 3rd, 1926 in Hespler, Ontario to Gertrude and Howard Strycker.
At the age of 20, she followed her dashing Scottish suitor to Chilliwack and shortly after married James Nunn Barnes. They remained in Chilliwack for the rest of their lives and welcomed their daughters Linda Sonntag (Nicholas), Grace VanDyke (Ron) and Laurie Jardine (Rob) to their family. Her ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ were her grandchildren: Stuart Reaugh, Tara Lyon (Scott), Christopher Sonntag (Leah), Jana Jardine, Catherine Rocheron (Guillaume), Courtney Dalton (Craig) and Stephanie VanDyke.
She became an adored ‘GG’ five times with the births of Parker and Adelyn Lyon, Jack Dalton, Elodie Rocheron and Remi Sonntag. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews in Ontario.
Marion was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, James Barnes, cherished son-in-law, Nicholas Sonntag and her three siblings.
Marion spent her early life as an elementary school teacher. She enjoyed teaching in a one-room school and other elementary schools, touching the lives of many young people. Marion cared deeply about giving back to her community and gave many volunteer hours to different organizations, including Friends of the Library and Chilliwack Museum and Archives.
The Chilliwack Y was a special part of Marion’s life, not only for the exercise, but for the special bonds that she formed there. Marion loved being social and touched the lives of many people in her community. She disliked driving, so rode her bike everywhere. She frequently ran into people on her bike or while walking and would take pleasure in long conversations with the different people she met.
Marion’s family was her most treasured legacy. She had a giving heart and left you feeling loved whenever you left. She was passionate about gardening, books, writing and classical music. She was an endless storyteller and a keeper of our family’s history. She was intelligent, thoughtful, social and wise. She will be greatly missed by her family, but we give thanks for her full, long and happy life.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Chilliwack YMCA in memory of Marion Barnes.Obituary-