Mary Louise Barnes, age 98,  was born on March 16, 1927, in Maplewood, New Jersey, and was called home to the Lord on December 13, 2025, at Paoli Hospital in Paoli, Pennsylvania, after suffering a stroke. 

Mary spent most of her life in Millington, New Jersey, where she built a home centered on faith, family, and love. She was a longtime member of Millington Baptist Church, where her faith was lived out through service. Over the years she served God as a Sunday school teacher, shared her joy through a singing group that regularly visited the veterans hospital, and was an active part of a senior group alongside her husband, Sam.

Mary had a deep love for the simple joys of life. As a child she loved to ride her horse at her grandparents’ farm in Tarrytown, NY. In her adult years she especially enjoyed swimming and watching ‘I Love Lucy. ’ Even after having a debilitating stroke at the age of 71, she returned to swimming, wearing a life preserver so she could enjoy the freedom of the water. She also found peace and happiness on her walks in nature with Sam, taking in God’s creation. Nothing brought Mary and Sam more joy than having family and friends gathered at their lake house, where days were filled with conversation, laughter, shared meals and boat rides. Her infectious laugh, one that lingered long after it ended, was a gift to everyone blessed to hear it. 

She leaves behind her five children: Lee Barnes (Linda), Kathy Jordan (Steve), Ron Barnes (Cheri), Maryann Walsh (Jim), and Karyn Diamond (Arthur). Mary was a loving grandmother to 14 grandchildren: David Barnes (Jennifer); Bonnie Wilhelm (Sean); Lee Barnes Jr (Christina); Jonathan Barnes; Allen Gondeck Jr (Janet); Kristin Gondeck; Ryan (Thao) Gondeck; Dylan (Carly) Barnes; Gillian Huntley (Mike Boyd); Taylor (Anna Carpenter) Huntley; Miranda (George) Wegricht; Lou Diamond; Sarah (John) Mooningham; Alyssa Diamond. She was also a proud great-grandmother to 12 great-grandchildren: Marin and Katelyn Wilhelm; Emily and Hunter Barnes; Grace Gondeck; Kyton and Tesslyn Barnes; Macy Boyd; Teagan, Moriah and Nico Wegricht; Jonah Mooningham. Mary was a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam, and her twin brothers, William  and Wesley Woodman. 

Mary’s faith was a strong presence throughout her life and she shared her love of God and relationship with Jesus with everyone she met. It brings comfort to know she is now at peace with her Heavenly Father and dancing with Sam. Her love, laughter, resilience, and kind spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Mary’s favorite verse was “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 

An intimate family gathering will be held in December. A Celebration of Life will take place in March, with details to follow. Higgins Funeral Home in Watchung, NJ, will be taking care of arrangements. Because of Mary’s love of God and desire for young women to grow in their faith, contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Camp Cedarbrook in the Adirondacks, P O Box 2139, Wilton, NY  12822