Jeanmarie Barnish

JeanMarie (Lane) Barnish, 67, of Sarasota, Florida, a former resident of New Castle, PA, passed away November 4, 2024, following a courageous battle with lung cancer surrounded by her family and friends. 

JeanMarie was the daughter of Shirley (Moses) Bradley and John K. Lane. 

In 1986, JeanMarie (JM to many) married her soulmate and best friend, Stephen (Steve) Barnish, and spent 38 years living a love story. Together they traveled the world. 

JeanMarie recently celebrated her 50th high school class reunion from NeCa High in September.  Before leaving New Castle, JM worked closely with her grandfather, Anthony J. Moses, who helped her establish a work ethic that supported a successful future. 

JeanMarie earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance (both with high honors) from Rutgers University, JM spent 35 years working in Finance in NJ, NY and Texas. 

While living in Texas for twenty years, she became an avid golfer and even made a hole-in-one. 

In 2013 she retired from corporate America to pursue her passion of educating people on the true nature of Black Bears.  Until the time of her death, JM volunteered her services to the North American Bear Center (NABC) and Wildlife Research Center (WRI) in Ely, MN where she also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the NABC. 

JM loved to cook, especially for friends.  She is most likely cooking in heaven for the family and friends that pre-deceased her.

JeanMarie is survived by her husband, Steve; two step-children, Michael (Rosana) Barnish and Kimberly (Andrew) Peel; two grandchildren, Brody and Cameron; step-father Thomas J. Bradley; sister, Patricia Phipps; niece, Kelli (Ford) Phipps Fuller; nephew Bradley Phipps; three great-nieces, Ava and Brooklyn Phipps, Grace Fuller, and great-nephew, Ford Fuller.  She is also survived by her miniature schnauzers Hazel Honeybuns and Sadie Lee Poundcake.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Bradley and father John Lane.

A private service will be held for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the North American Bear Center (Ely, MN). 

Please visit:  Bear.org

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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