Obituary of Claudia Barnes

Of Grand Ledge, formerly of Vassar passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at her home. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church with Father Richard Jozwiak officiating. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 24, 2014 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home in Vassar and on Tuesday from 9:00 until time of service at the church. A prayer service will be held on Monday at 7:00 pm with Sister Ellen Rinke. Those desiring may direct memorial donations to the Hospice Advantage or St. Frances. Claudia was born in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Valentino and Roma (Tremonti) Piazza. She graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1938. Then attended County Normal and began teaching in Tuscola, Michigan. Claudia was a dedicated school teacher for over 40 years, many of those years teaching at Townsend North Elementary, and continued educating in many ways even after her retirement in 1979. She also taught Religious Education at St. Frances. She and Eber Barnes were united in marriage on June 17, 1944 in Reese, Michigan. Claudia was a member of the Vassar Eagles Aerie 2380, Richville American Legion Auxilary, and the Vassar Historical Society. She enjoyed gardening and opening her home to family. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Eber, children; Nancy (George) Moser, Marie (Tim) Konieczny, James (Denise) Barnes; grandchildren Jeff (Nyann), Kim (Tony), Randy (Sarah), Matt, Amy (Kevin), Claudia, Allison (Andy) and Tom; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Claudia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Frank, Renato, and Ferrer.