Mary Barden, 79, passed away peacefully Monday, June 26, 2023, at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire.
Mary was born on January 28, 1944, to Albert and Florence (Shoemaker) Johnson in Eau Claire, WI. She married the love of her life, Gary Barden, on December 2,1961. Together they raised their family in the Eau Claire area.
Mary was a kind and happy person with a contagious laugh. Her positivity and compassion for others was an inspiration to family and friends. Mary had a strong faith that prepared her for this final journey. She was a homemaker most of her married life taking care of her two boys and running the family household. She had a love for animals and enjoyed feeding all of God’s creatures that wandered into the back yard, including deer, squirrels, birds and a stray cat, Tommy, who is now part of the family, along with their Shih Tzu, Cash.
Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years; Gary Lester Barden, of Eau Claire, her two children; Gary Bryan (Jen) Barden of Wausau and Mark Barden of Rhinelander; her two sisters Ann McKay, Diana Harris and brother Steve Otto.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Patricia Burns and Sandra Nyseth and brother Larry Otto.
A memorial service will be Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 12:00 pm at St. Olaf Catholic Church with Father James Kurzynski officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at 3:00 pm at Rest Haven Cemetery. Friends and family may leave online condolences below.
We are encouraging attendees, to help celebrate Mary’s life and positive view of the world, by wearing brightly colored clothing.