Obituary of Lesley Jean Perry

It is with great sadness that the family of Lesley Jean Perry of Codys, NB announces her passing, which occurred on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the Sussex Health Centre in Sussex, NB. Born in Sussex on April 26, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and (Eleanor) Jean (Henderson) Holder.

Lesley is survived by her loving husband, John; her children: Tara (Derek Ram) Barnett of Calgary, AB and Brian (Samantha) Barnett of Fredericton, NB; her daughter-in-law Sara Barnett; her step-children: Aaron (Jennie) Perry of Fredericton, NB, James (Chrissy Jones) Perry of Quispamsis, NB, Jason (Traci) Perry of Harpers Ferry, WV, Heidi Johnsen of Kingsley, NB and Christian Barnett of Ottawa, ON; her brothers: Peter (Coleen) Holder of Lower Millstream, NB, Neil (Joan) Holder of Hinton, AB, Sylvia Holder of Fredericton, NB, and Garth (Maureen) Holder of Moncton, NB; her grandchildren: Aidan, Cohen, Ewan, Noah, Lauren, Anna, Ashe, Billy, Beecher, Lockie, Xavier, Taylor, Liam, Avery, Ainsley, and Jessee; as well as a large circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Lesley is predeceased by her husband, Jim Barnett, and her son, Craig Barnett (Sara).

Lesley is remembered for her love of the outdoors, having led many Bloomfield youth and family members on a variety of adventures, whether biking, hiking or canoeing. She is recalled by many as always being up for an adventure, and enjoyed downhill skiing, camping on the beach and cross-country road trips. She was known far and wide for her amazing cooking skills, being able to cook for a crowd with seeming ease and loved to host large holiday dinners and community meals. Her grandchildren share stories of always being able to find cookies in the tins in the corner of the kitchen, of baking and berry picking and learning to downhill ski. She was so proud of her grandchildren and supported them in their activities, and took time to check in with them daily with texts or phone calls.

Lesley enjoyed her large extended family and enjoyed staying connected with cousins, nieces and nephews both online and in person at large family reunions and events. She could be counted on to call to hear “the news” after family events, and loved to hear and share stories. She had a wonderful sense of humour, loved to laugh, and is remembered for her practical advice and telling you exactly what was on her mind.

Lesley worked in the home and as a cook for many years, but found a career she was truly passionate about later in life. She began working in the Hampton Veterinary Clinic in the mid-90s, and pursued a Diploma in Veterinary Technology from the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus in Ontario, graduating in 2002. She worked in veterinary clinics in Hampton, Saint John, Halifax and Sussex until her retirement in 2015, and was known to many for her competent and compassionate care for her four-legged patients.

Special thank-you to Jean Ann Dickeson for the support and care through her final days, and to the residents of Codys Lane for their friendship through the pandemic restrictions. Thank you also to Judy Graham for supporting Lesley through her recovery from surgery last fall.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 6th from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the Wallace Community Chapel. A celebration of Lesley’s life will take place at the Anglican Christ Church, 45 Bloomfield Station Rd, Bloomfield, NB on Thursday, July 7th at 2pm. Interment will follow in the Christ Church Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Lesley was an active member of her communities over her lifetime, volunteering for the Girl Guide of Canada and Scouts Canada, Duke of Edinburgh Award Canada, Codys Women’s Institute, Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association, church suppers and committees, and supporting a number of causes. Donations in memory of Lesley may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Codys Women’s Institute, Christ Church (Bloomfield) or a charity of the donor’s choice reflecting her interests and volunteerism. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com