Anne Marie Barnes, of Westport, MA, passed away on December 2nd, after an 8 year battle with breast cancer. Her passing at home was peaceful, with family by her side and her grandchildren in France speaking their love for her as she left us.
Known for her bubbly personality, infectious laugh, and zest for life, her family and friends will miss her deeply, but know that she is now with her God, in her mansion in the sky, free from pain and suffering. We are overwhelmingly grateful for the time we had together since her diagnosis but will miss her endlessly.
Anne was born in Fall River in 1956 and spent her childhood there and in Florida. Coming from a large family, she had many stories about family dinners and sibling rivalry. Anne spoke often about her memories of the positive impact and influence her grandmother had on her life and worked tirelessly through her illness to be the same kind of grandmother. A woman who fiercely loved her children, she spread a mother’s love far and wide fostering and adopting children in need of care. Later, and with the same passion, she loved and cherished her grandchildren. They were her whole world and provided an incredible source of strength and joy in her life.
Anne was also known for her incredible cooking skills and throwing of vibrant parties. She always had an open-door, all-are-welcome policy as she loved to bring people together and was happiest when the house was bustling with lots of family and friends.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Anne owned and operated a body shop in Fall River when the children were little and later went on to complete her CNA training, nursing the elderly in Fall River. She had a green thumb, could grow anything, and had a wealth of knowledge about local flora and fauna. Her hobbies were numerous from growing her garden, canning the harvest, smocking, and doing arts and crafts. She was an active member of the Acoaxet Club in Westport Harbor where she loved to play tennis and golf and particularly enjoyed her women’s golf league.
Anne is survived by her husband Bill, of Westport, MA, her daughter Karly Christ (husband Jan Baur) of Annecy le Vieux, France, her son, George Christ, of Fairhaven, MA, her stepdaughter Martha Venturini (husband Steven) of N. Dighton, MA, and stepson William Barnes, Jr. (wife Patricia) of Mattapoisett, MA. She also is survived by Deborah Sylvia Franklin, of Riverview, FL, who was raised by Anne for many years.
Anne is also survived by siblings Norman Ouellette of Somerset, MA, Roy Ouellette of Lake Alfred, FL, Beverly Quental of Berkeley, MA, Carol Montecalvo of West Warwick, RI, Mike Ouellette of Salem, OR, Louis Ouellette of Tiverton, RI, and Rose Thibault, of Groveland, FL, as well as eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Anne had an extended family of children that over the years found their way into her life, among them Amber, Robert, Louie, Louisa, Ashley, Shavanna, Chantel, and Charissa.
During her lifetime Anne ran small businesses and served others as a nurse, but she will best be remembered for the children she touched. Whether they were in her home for weeks or years, her willingness to treat every child as her own is her lasting legacy.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 20th,2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd, Westport, MA. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield,CT,06825 or Camp Angel Wings, Southcoast VNA,200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.