Anne M. Dwyer Barnett

Anne M. Dwyer Barnett, 91 years old, went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2019. She was born on November 13, 1927 in Ottestad-Stange, Norway to Hans and Signe Bakken. At the age of two she immigrated with her family to Jackson, Michigan.

She spent her life in Jackson, raising her family and building a successful career as Jackson County Guardian. For over 20 years, as County Guardian, Anne helped guide and support vulnerable people, providing assistance with medical and legal matters. Her work helped hundreds of people.

Anne was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. She was strong and independent and had an unparalleled work ethic. She cared deeply about her family and her Catholic faith. Always quick-witted, she loved to dance and laugh. She had a little “something, something” that will live on in our memories of her.

Anne was married to Theodore J. Dwyer from 1950 until his death in 1983. Together they had three daughters Betsy (Russell, Jr.) Youngdahl, Martha (Mark) McHugh, and Laura (William) Schlecte; grandchildren Lauren (Blake) Snyder, Leslie (Clay) McAndrews, Neil Youngdahl (fiance Janelle Taylor), Molly (Eric) Silvernail, Jacqueline Austin, Ted (Dani) Austin, David (Kat) Schlecte, Anna (Tom) Holloway, Emily Schlecte, and Adam Schlecte; great-grandchildren Libby, Ethan, and Margot Snyder, Cole Alexander and Maverick Schlecte, and Luke and Lydia Holloway; and several nieces and nephews. 

Anne was married to Stewart C. Barnett from 1994 until his death in 2017. His children are Cynthia Barnett MacKenzie, Robert (Vicki) Barnett, and John (Helene) Barnett; grandchildren Theodore MacKenzie and Katherine (Stephen) Spranger; and great-grandchildren Maxwell and Miles Spranger.

In addition to her husbands, Anne was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Arve Bakken, and her sister Dagny Edle Baldwin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Watson Funeral Home, 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan, with a Rosary at 7:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 4 at 10:30AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, Father Timothy MacDonald, presiding. Interment at Roseland Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, 1111 Carlton Blvd, Jackson, Michigan 49203. 

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