Marie Grace Barnsdale of Ann Arbor, Michigan, age 73, passed away November 29, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Village Memory Care under the care of Arbor Hospice.
She was born July 27, 1950, in Bethesda, Maryland, the daughter of William “Edward” and Barbara (Powell) Thompson.
Marie graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1968, then attended Towson State College. After college she moved to Michigan and continued her education at Eastern Michigan University.
Marie was very active with the Washtenaw County Homebuilders Association. And she enjoyed traveling (including Europe, Canada, and the US).
On Feb. 14, 1981, she married her beloved husband Greg at the First Congregational Church, Douglas Memorial Chapel in Ann Arbor. She was raised in the Episcopalian church and attended the First Congregational church in Ann Arbor.
She found her calling in sales. The homebuilding community interested her. She started selling at Pella Window and Door Company and then moved on to home appliance sales at Big George’s Home Appliances in Ann Arbor, Walter’s Home Appliances in Brighton and finally a home at Heydlauff’s Appliances and Electronics in Chelsea. Her Kindness, helpful and detailed knowledge of products were her trademarks.
Marie never liked funerals, so none is planned. A celebration of life will be held in the future.
She came into this world quietly – until the doctor slapped her on the bottom. That is the way she wanted to leave – quietly.
Cremation has taken place. Her final resting place will be in Virginia.
