Vera Barnes

Veronica Catherine Gabriel (nee Ryan) Barnes

Born: August 4, 1933, in Dublin, Ireland
Died: February 25, 2026, in Claremont, California

Vera Barnes passed peacefully three weeks before her 93rd St. Patrick’s Day.

Born and raised in Dublin, Vera was the middle of seven children. In 1961, she immigrated to the United States with $300 in her pocket, an eighth-grade education, an unshakable work ethic, and big dreams. She carried her Irish roots with her wherever she went. Her fiancé, Jim Barnes, later joined her from Dublin, and they married in 1964 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Sun Valley, California.

In 1975, Vera was widowed at just 41 years old and left to raise two young children, ages 7 and 9. With quiet determination and fierce love, she built a life for them on a waitress’s salary, putting both children through 32 years of Catholic education. Nothing made her prouder than seeing her children — and later all six of her grandchildren — earn college degrees.

A spirited Celtic woman of strong faith, Vera made a promise at her Confirmation to never drink alcohol, a pledge she honored for the rest of her life — not a sip! Careful and resourceful, she stretched every dollar, eventually investing in real estate and securing a comfortable retirement through her own grit and foresight.

Vera valued her privacy and independence. She appreciated sharp humor and believed Dubliners had the best wit of all. She had little patience for pomposity or foolishness and didn’t suffer bores or needy talkers — though she herself never told a short story if a long one would do.

A keen observer of people, she was endlessly curious about the lives and stories of those she met. She loved playing cards and delighted in teaching her children and grandchildren poker before they could count. She proudly considered herself a devoted 'Jeopardy!' fan and armchair contestant, though she admitted her expertise shone brightest when the category was “Ireland.”

Above all else, Vera loved her family beyond measure and was unabashedly proud of each one of them. She is survived by her children, Deirdre Hunt (Tim) and Lorcan Barnes (Patti); her grandchildren, Danny Hunt (Brenna), Jimmy Barnes (Tori), Molly Hunt Hatzenbuehler (Tyler), Jack Barnes, Sean Hunt (Elizabeth), and Patrick Barnes; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Lucy Veronica Hunt, born in 2024, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Vera’s family wishes to thank the staff at Mt. San Antonio Gardens for their extraordinary loving and professional care in her final years.

Your prayers and condolences are deeply appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a gift to the Catholic school of your choice.

Selfless to the end, Vera donated her body to science. A memorial Mass will be held Monday, April 20th at 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Redondo Beach. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

St. Patrick’s Day will feel different this year.