Virginia (Gina) Barclay

Virginia was the youngest of thirteen children, born October 21, 1924 to Julius and Emma Desormier in Marquette, Michigan. She graduated with the Class of 1942 from John D. Pierce High School.

She married Ellsworth F. Barclay on November 17, 1944 at St. Joseph Church in LaPorte, Indiana. Together they made their home in Powell Township with stints in Escanaba and Belleville, Michigan. She was a past member of St. Mary’s Church in Big Bay and the Altar Society. She was employed for twenty years at Huron Mountain Club.

Gina loved sports. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Redwings and Northern Michigan University Wildcats. She loved books, was a voracious reader and also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and jumbles.

Survivors include sons, Thomas (Ulla) Barclay of Danielson, Connecticut and Charles (Mary) Barclay of Appleton, Wisconsin; a daughter, Shelby Parmenter of Marquette; nine grandsons, twin granddaughters, three great-grandsons, four great-granddaughters.

Preceding her in death besides her parents were nine sisters and three brothers; her husband, Ellsworth in 2006; a son, Richard L. Barclay in 2021, and son-in-law, Richard Parmenter in 2009.

Virginia will be cremated and a private family graveside service will be held at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Peter White Public Library, 217 North Front Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855.

Virginia’s family would also like to extend a very special thank you to the Eastwood Nursing Center staff that cared for her over the years.

May you now rest in peace with the knowledge that you were, are and will always be dearly loved and terribly missed. Gina’s memory is a keepsake. Her soul is in God’s keeping. We have her in our hearts.

Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.

“GO ARMY,

BEAT NAVY.”