Joann C. Barry, age 92 of Alexandria, Minn. died peacefully on April 7, 2026 at home at Nelson Gables in Alexandria, Minn. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at Nelson Gables in Alexandria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Glenwood, Minn. Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood, Minn.
Joann Louise Charbonneau Barry was born to Allen Benjamin and Luella (Hillman) Charbonneau on July 5, 1933, in Winner, S.D. When Joann was just 11 years old, her mother died, and her father later married Gladys (Misenhelder) Charbonneau, who became a caring mother to Joann. These early years helped shape the strength, grace and resilience that would remain with her throughout her life. Joann graduated from high school in Plateville, Wisc., where she lived with her grandmother and later attended business school in Minneapolis. After completing her education, she began working for Hartford Insurance in Minneapolis, Minn., where she served as secretary to the claims manager. She was dedicated to her work and took pride in doing her job well. Joann remained with Hartford Insurance until her retirement in 1991.
In 1953, Joann met Raymond Barry, Jr. at a a YMCA dance in Minneapolis. Joann was in business school at the time and living at the Clara Dora Club for Women. The two were united in marriage on May 10, 1953 at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Glenwood, Minn. They first made their home in Minneapolis before moving to Bloomington in 1960. Their marriage was blessed with two talented children, a daughter, Donarae and a son, Thomas. Sadly, Donnarae died from cancer in 2019, just weeks before her 65th birthday, and Thomas was just 35 years old when he was tragically killed in an explosion at his employer's manufacturing company near Ione, Calif. Donnarae was introduced to ice skating by Ray at the age of six years old and fell in love with the sport. Figure skating became her passion. She performed with the Ice Follies after high school and went on to teach figure skating in California. Thomas was equally as gifted, and he too moved to California to pursue his career. He loved pyrotechnics and found work there which provided him the opportunity to be involved with exciting projects like the "Star Wars" movies and large firework displays in the San Francisco area.
In 2009, following Ray's retirement, the two moved to Clark, South Dakota. Together they enjoyed a life filled with travel and adventure. They loved being snowbirds in Florida, Arizona and California while camping in their RV. These years brought them many memories and opportunities to see new places while spending time together.
Joann loved crafting and music, and she found joy in nature, gardening and spending time with dogs. She had a special love for the outdoors and took pleasure in caring for her garden. When Joann and Ray needed help with their daily care, they moved to Nelson Gables in Alexandria to be near Joann's sister, Janice. Ray died July 10, 2021, and Joann continued to live at the Gables where she enjoyed the other residents and staff.
Joann is survived by her three grandchildren: Michael (Kenna Braner) Tulsky, Tyler (Christine) Tulsky and Anne (Steven) Barry Yost; two great-grandchildren: Joselyn Barry and Twyla Barry Yost; son-in-law Matthew Tulsky of California; sister Janice (Dale) Wilson; brother Roger (Florence) Charbonneau; along with other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Luella; step-mother Gladys; her husband of 68 years, Ray; daughter Donnarae Tulsky and son Thomas Barry.
To send online condolences to the family visit hoplinfuneralhome.com and click on obituaries.
