Mary Grace Barkemeyer

Mary Grace Barkemeyer

June 13, 1925 - October 5, 2026

Mary Grace Barkemeyer, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, laughter, and love.

Born on June 13, 1925, in Kearny, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Charles and Kathryn Cougle. Mary grew up in Dunellen, New Jersey, alongside her sister, Shirley Butzien, and graduated from Dunellen High School before beginning her career as a secretary in Manhattan, New York. Mary enjoyed traveling with her work friends to Bermuda and the Jersey Shore. On September 22, 1956, Mary married Henry Barkemeyer. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, companionship, and a shared love of learning. They built a house in Greenbook, New Jersey and had three children: Bonnie, Eric, and Jill. Henry's passion for marathons took them to many wonderful destinations, including Switzerland, Paris, London, Greece, Rome, Hawaii, Germany, San Francisco, Boston, and New Orleans, among others. They delighted in attending Broadway plays, musical performances, visiting museums and historical sites, and trying new restaurants. She was also an active member of her Garden Club and faithfully attended Bible studies for 20 years, reflecting her appreciation for fellowship and learning. Mary found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved reading novels, enjoying a good cup of coffee and chocolate, spending time outdoors, and listening to the birds. Most of all, she loved people. Whether visiting with family and friends, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or simply enjoying a good meal and some "chit-chat," Mary was happiest when she had someone to talk to. Mary treasured time with her family and was rarely far from the telephone, often chatting with her children and many of her grandchildren every single day.

Mary spent 57 years in the home she and Henry built together, creating a lifetime of memories there. At the age of 87, Mary embarked on another adventure when she built a home in Gastonia, North Carolina. She lived there until 2021, when she moved into assisted living. Mary continued forming new friendships with fellow residents and the wonderful staff who cared for her. She kept everyone entertained with her familiar shenanigans, enjoyed winning at bingo, spent time reading and watching old Westerns, and never missed an opportunity to offer her honest opinion about the food.

In her remarkable 101 years, Mary lived through a century of extraordinary change, witnessing history unfold in ways few generations ever will. She experienced the hardships of the Great Depression, lived through multiple wars, and watched the world transform from a time when many everyday conveniences we take for granted did not exist to the modern age. Growing up in a hotel without a bathroom or running water, Mary enjoyed playing in the creek and learned early on that life was not always easy, but it was meant to be lived. She witnessed generations come and go, saw incredible advances in technology and travel, and experienced a world that changed in countless ways throughout her lifetime.

Mary was truly one of a kind. Known for her quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor, she had a remarkable ability to make people laugh. She took great pride in "telling the truth," and she did so with comedic timing that made her unforgettable. She was quite a character, never one to shy away from sharing her opinion, and she brought laughter and personality into every room she entered. Those who knew Mary will fondly remember her candid remarks, spirited conversations, and the many moments when she left everyone laughing.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Barkemeyer; her parents, Charles Cougle and Kathryn Cougle. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her sister, Shirley Butzien; her daughter, Bonnie Hansen (Doug); her son, Eric Barkemeyer; and her daughter, Jill McGrath. She is survived by her grandchildren: Sarah Snipes (Nick), Rachel Van Ryn (Cody), David Hansen (Janice), Joseph Hansen (Kelsea), Brady Barkemeyer, and Jessica Barkemeyer. She is also survived by her ten great-grandchildren: Jack, Reese and August Van Ryn; Eleanor, Caroline, Penelope, Lucy, and Theodore Hansen; and Rilley and Catcher Snipes, who brought her continued pride and joy.