Mary Louise Barney, 80, went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 27, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mary was the daughter of the late Mike and Ida (Frantzreb) Barretta.
Mary attended South Side High School in Fort Wayne. She continued her education at Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Later in life, at the age of 50, she proudly earned her Master’s Degree in Theology, also from Concordia University in River Forest.
Throughout her career, Mary dedicated herself to teaching and sharing her faith with others. She taught in Chester, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and later with Early Learning at Lutheran Hospital. Mary was deeply passionate about teaching others in a Godly way and lived out her faith daily. She possessed an unwavering faith in God, was known as a prayer warrior for those in need, and faithfully served as a Deaconess in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod for many years.
In her free time, Mary enjoyed working puzzles, playing Tetris, and most of all spending time with her family. She was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where she loved to play piano and sing in the choir.
Mary is survived by her children, Tina (John) Jones, Peter Barney, and Joe (Suzie) Barney; grandchildren, Kristina (Eric) Landis, Elizabeth Barlow, Sandra Jones, Jacob (Cora) Barney, and Corey Barney; and great-grandchildren, Marley, Ezra, and Jaxson. She is also survived by many beloved cousins.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street, with calling one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Lutheran Life Villages on South Anthony Boulevard.