Catherine "JoAnne" Barnes

JoAnne was proceeded in death by her parents Jack A. and Mayme O’Malley, her husband Gerald (Rich) Barnes, her brother Jack G. O’Malley, brothers-in-law Dr. Jack Barnes, Jim and Jo Barnes, sisters-in-law Mary Jane Christoffersen and Eileen Rasnick, brother-in-law Bill Christoffersen. She is survived by her daughter Jerrianne (Dwayne) West of Lakewood, CO; her son Steven (Michelle) Barnes of Fort Mohave, AZ; and her daughter Rosemary (Jim) Schuman, Omaha, her grandchildren Shannon (Taylor) Daeley, Brandon West, Rebecca West, Jacqueline Barnes, Jillison Barnes, Melissa Barnes, Cedric Schuman, Selena Schuman, Seth Schuman, Isabella Christenson and great grandchildren Chloe, Oliver, Grayson, Tessa, Baze, Kristyana, Emberlynn, and Hayden. Brother Terry (Colleen) O’Malley, San Diego, CA; Sister Susie (Lyn) Worner, Ely, AZ; Sisters-in-law Mary Jo Bueltel, Janet Barnes, all Omaha.

JoAnne was proud of her upbringing in Omaha and her Irish heritage; she was a proud graduate of Holy Name High School in 1953 however she did spend one year at Duchesne Academy where she would proudly tell you she only learned how to smoke and play bridge. She met Rich through her then friend Eileen (Aunt Beanie) in the Holy Name neighborhood and they married at Christ the King on 4/12/1958.

JoAnne was a spirited and vivacious woman, known for her infectious laugh that could light up any room. Her love for music was boundless, she played the piano with joyful abandon, using her whole body to express the melodies she cherished. She had a playful habit of singing through her yawns, a charming quirk that brought smiles to those around her.

JoAnne embraced life with passion and flair, especially when it came to anything involving music and performance. Her hobbies reflected her dynamic personality: she was an avid bowler, a skilled bridge and card player, a devoted golfer, and a loyal Nebraska Football fan. When Rich was alive they found joy in melodrama and traveling to new places together.

JoAnne was a parishioner of St. James Church and later at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, but she was more than that she was an active participant. Over the years, she volunteered in the church office, directing choirs, and ringing the hand bells. JoAnne had so many friends she made through her involvement at the parish.

JoAnne was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lit up when sharing updates or new photos of her beloved family, and many of them inherited her deep love for music. Whether she was playing the piano herself or cheering from the audience, she was their biggest supporter. Even in recent years, she continued to host holiday gatherings at her home—most of which ended with everyone gathered around the piano, singing together as she led the way.

In her final weeks, JoAnne faced a rapid progression of lung cancer with grace and strength. Surrounded by love, she remained at home, where Endless Journey Hospice Care was brought in to support the family. She was never alone—her daughters and grandchildren were by her side, offering the same warmth and devotion she had always given them.

Memorials may be directed to SEA Choir in lieu of flowers for a new choir microphones.