Bertine C Barnes
November 20, 1927 ~ November 13, 2018
BERTINE “TOOTS” BARNES, 90
Bertine C. Barnes, aged 90, died peacefully on November 13, 2018, at The Adler Center for Hospice Care in Aldie, Virginia. Toots was born on November 20, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Edward and Bertine Commiskey.
Toots lived a life, with zeal, like no one else. She flew biplanes at the age of 16, and was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Purdue School of Pharmacy. She started her career at her father’s drug store, Commiskey Drugs, in Greenwood, Indiana, and went on to have a successful career as a pharmacist for more than 50 years. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Jack L. Barnes, an officer in the U.S. Air Force. They traveled the globe, and raised seven children along the way.
Toots is survived by her husband, Jack; children, Kevin, Mark, Eileen, Karen, Adair, Claudia and David; daughters-in law, Maria Barnes and Natalie Barnes; sons-in-law Andy Cole, Andy Clark, Todd Solomon, and Bob Gangi; and grandchildren, Molly and Matthew Cole, Collin and Kamry Clark, Parker and Jack Solomon, and Jimmy and Cecilia Gangi.
Goodbye to the kindest, smartest, most loyal, exciting and daring woman we have ever known.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to pay tribute to Toots do so through a donation to The Adler Center for Hospice Care, 24419 Millstream Drive, Aldie, Virginia.
Bertine C. Barnes, aged 90, died peacefully on November 13, 2018, at The Adler Center for Hospice Care in Aldie, Virginia. Toots was born on November 20, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Edward and Bertine Commiskey.
Toots lived a life, with zeal, like no one else. She flew biplanes at the age of 16, and was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Purdue School of Pharmacy. She started her career at her father’s drug store, Commiskey Drugs, in Greenwood, Indiana, and went on to have a successful career as a pharmacist for more than 50 years. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Jack L. Barnes, an officer in the U.S. Air Force. They traveled the globe, and raised seven children along the way.
Toots is survived by her husband, Jack; children, Kevin, Mark, Eileen, Karen, Adair, Claudia and David; daughters-in law, Maria Barnes and Natalie Barnes; sons-in-law Andy Cole, Andy Clark, Todd Solomon, and Bob Gangi; and grandchildren, Molly and Matthew Cole, Collin and Kamry Clark, Parker and Jack Solomon, and Jimmy and Cecilia Gangi.
Goodbye to the kindest, smartest, most loyal, exciting and daring woman we have ever known.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to pay tribute to Toots do so through a donation to The Adler Center for Hospice Care, 24419 Millstream Drive, Aldie, Virginia.
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Goodbye to my darling mom. There are no words to adequately describe how much you will be missed.
I will miss the incredible woman who was my Mother. She was everything that a son could ask for while trying to navigate his way through life. I loved you , and will miss so very much.
My Aunt Toots was the most amazing woman. I will miss her dearly. Love and peace to all the Barnes, and extended family.
My dearest Toots, you gave me a wedding band that you had made in Santa Fe. It is one of a kind, just like you. When I look at your picture, I see “mischief”, I see strength, and I see beauty like no other. I’m the luckiest man in the world to have spent 66 years by your side, dancing through life.
I met Toots in 1968 when we moved to Portugal and have been so fortunate to have crossed paths with this fabulous family many times over the years. I will always remember her strength, humor, intelligence and fearlessness. I learned so much from her and will forever remember her infectious smile and laugh! Love and hugs to all the Barnes!
Toots Barnes, mother of seven, you were fierce! I’m crushed with your passing. Thank you for leaving me with incredible memories of our antics. As you always advised me through the tough times, “I will lay me down and bleed awhile, then rise and fight again.”
My memories are filled with Joy and Laughter, and in my earlier years, it was guidance. I will always cherish the wonderful and loving memories. May she rest in peace.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting ‘Toots,’ if she was half as kind and caring as her son, Kevin, then I know she was a wonderful person. It is heartwarming to read about her kindness, courageous spirit, and how much she was loved. While it is certain that she will be missed, it is obvious that she has left a legacy of love, strength, and passion that will live on into future generations. May God’s blessing, peace, and comfort be with you all through this difficult time.
Dear Barnes Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Toots. She was a legend and although I was only a boy when we met in Portugal I remember her vividly then and later when we met again in the US a few times. Please send my condolences to all of your clan and know how much she was loved and appreciated by all of our family.
I’m so sorry for your recent loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Death of a loved one is never easy to endure, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Continue looking to God and you will always find comfort in him (2 Cor 1:3,4). He will soon destroy the enemy of death (1 Cor 15:26), and He will soon return our loved ones to us through the resurrection (John 5:28,29). Please visit JW.org and search “When Someone You Love Dies”, it helped me through some difficult times and I hope you can find comfort in it also.
Dear Barnes Family,
This is Kim Denton, Bob Harmon’s daughter. I was so sorry to hear of Toots’ death. Although my opportunities to visit with her and your family were few, I remember each one with clarity. Her energy and joy were contagious. Her commitment to family was undeniable and it was quite simply fun to be in her presence. My family and I moved to Vienna, Va a little more than a year ago. Jack, we would be honored to connect with you or any of the family when you are feeling up to it. (317.965.1224)
Sending our love and our deepest sympathy,
Kim and Ivan Denton
My mother was an amazing, loving, and dynamic force of nature, and I will never stop missing her.
Sending love and prayers during this difficult time. I’ve enjoyed collecting pictures of our family. She was a wonderful lady!
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.