Obituary of Maria Barnes

Died peacefully on November 25, 2014 in Leesburg, Virginia at the age of 88. Born Maria Scopazzi on April 9, 1926 in Porto Albona, Italy (now Rabac, Croatia) a beautiful seaside town on the Adriatic Sea. Daughter of Antonia and Giovanni Scopazzi. Met and married Roman Joseph Barnes in Trieste, Italy on August 15, 1948. Moved to the US in 1948 and settled in Erie, Pennsylvania. Moved to Virginia in 1959 living in West Springfield and Leesburg, Virginia. Survived by six children: Donald A. Barnes (Linda) of Fairfax Station, Virginia, Gerald A. Barnes of Norcross, Georgia, Brenda Barnes of McLean, Virginia, Nadina Barnes Ross (Mark) of Charlottesville, Virginia, Pamela Barnes Sweeney (Mark) of Richmond, Virginia and Maria Barnes Kurowski (Michael) of Skillman, New Jersey. Survived by thirteen grandchildren: Alexander E. Barnes, Pamela A. Barnes, Mark A. Sweeney, Jr. (Alexis), Christina Sweeney Bier (Chris), Fr. Nicholas R. Barnes, Catherine Barnes Rohde (Andrew), Elizabeth Barnes Riegler (Justin), Meredith A. Barnes, Bryce A. Sweeney, Jennifer M. Ross, Alexandra Ross Cunningham (Ryan), Alexander M. Kurowski and Grace E. Kurowski, and two great-grandchildren. Also survived by her relatives in Italy with whom she remained very close including her niece Novella Zurlo (Teo) and nephew Emilio Gobbo and their families. Preceded in death by her husband Roman, and sister, Emilia Gobbo, and niece, Isabella Gobbo. Was deeply devoted to her faith and family who loved her very much. A viewing is scheduled for Saturday, November 29 at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Potomac Falls, VA at 11 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm, which will be officiated by her grandson, Fr. Nicholas R. Barnes. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the National Down Syndrome Society or a charity of your choice.