Margaret “Peg” Lucy Barnes, 82, of Coldwater passed away Friday, July 26, 2024 at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital after a brief stay.
Peg’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian burial Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater, officiated by Rev. Fr. Dan Hyman. Following the service, Peg will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Friends and family are invited to visit Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Born November 19, 1941 to Terrence and Mary (Kornstein) McGarry in Mimico, near Toronto, Canada, Peg lived a life full of love, joy, and community spirit. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1959 and married her high school sweetheart, Carroll L. Barnes, on May 27, 1961. They shared a beautiful life together for over 60 years until Carroll’s passing November 1, 2021.
Peg was an active member of St. Charles Catholic Church and the Coldwater Elks. She and Carroll ran Carroll’s Shoes in downtown Coldwater for over 25 years, becoming beloved fixtures in the community. Peg’s kind heart and outgoing personality meant she never met a stranger—everyone was a friend.
Peg’s true passions were many and varied. She loved spending time with family and friends at their Crystal Beach lake house on Coldwater Lake, a place that was always filled with laughter and joy. Traveling was another great love of hers, whether exploring northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, or taking trips to New Orleans, Maine, Florida, and California, Peg embraced every adventure with enthusiasm. Her zest for life extended to social gatherings, where she enjoyed throwing and attending parties, celebrating the moments that brought people together.
Peg also loved attending performances at Tibbits Opera House and was a strong supporter of the Rotary Club, where Carroll participated in 51 Rotary shows. In addition to her involvement in the community, Peg was a dedicated volunteer at the Coldwater hospital gift shop, always ready to lend a helping hand and brighten someone’s day.
Peg is survived by her twins, Amy Jo Barnes of Providence, RI, and Tim (Mary) Barnes of Ladera Ranch, CA. She is also survived by her siblings, Susie Rzepka of Coldwater and Vince (Debbie) McGarry of New Orleans, LA; her brother-in-law, Richie (Karen) Barnes of St. Joseph, MI; her grandchildren, Anna and Gina Barnes; her beloved nieces and nephews, Jeri (Bill) Lustig, Jim Rzepka, Jeff Rzepka, Joel (Joni) Rzepka, and many more loving nieces, nephews, and close friends. In addition to her husband Carroll, Peg was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom McGarry.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Tibbits Opera House or the Branch Area Food Pantry. Attendees at her services are encouraged to wear green and white in memory of Peg’s Spartan pride.
Peg’s vibrant spirit and generous heart will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
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