Mary Lou (Johnson) Barton

Mary Lou (Johnson) Barton, 74, of Leyden MA, took the Lord's hand on April 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at home.  She was born in Brattleboro, VT on September 7, 1949, to Ruth (Dunklee) and Glenn Johnson.  
    Mary Lou grew up having fun on the Dunklee Farm in Vernon, Vermont.  She enjoyed feeding the calves, milking the cows, and playing in the haylofts with her siblings.  Mary Lou married her husband, Elwin Barton, on May 7, 1971.  After they were married, they moved around for a bit, before settling at the Barton Homestead in Leyden where she raised her children and took care of her in-laws and mom. 
Mary Lou loved caring for her family and friends.  She could be found side by side with her daughter Tanya, taking car rides and eating scrumptious food at their favorite local restaurants which included Brad’s Place and Pete’s Fish Market.  Almost every day they could be found walking the aisles of Fosters, where they would always come home with something good from their bakery after hugging every worker along the way.  Every Wednesday they would travel to Roberston’s Memorial Library to check out books and chat.  Mary Lou had the opportunity to raise her 3 children, but also became the best sitter in the world as she cared for all 7 of her grandchildren and many children of Leyden.  Mimi’s house became a second home for many.  She always had her arms wide ready for a hug and an I Love You.  Mimi always had the best snacks and enjoyed buying yummy food.  The aroma of local maple syrup filled the air daily and was a scent very connected to Mary Lou.  
Mary Lou had the biggest heart and loved everyone she met.  She was once considered the “Mayor” of Leyden, the little town that she enjoyed being a part of for so many years.  She not only had the name of “Mayor”, but was also known as Mama Lou, Mimi Lou or the welcoming committee to many in town.  Everyone loved Mary Lou, and Mary Lou loved everyone!  She was the Tax Collector and Town Clerk of Leyden for many years and was also a part of the Rec committee.  Mary Lou was also a member of the Leyden Rifle Club and Women’s Auxiliary.  She enjoyed camping out at the rifle range and one of her highlights every year was the Christmas party that she loved putting on.  Her smile lit up the room and her laugh was contagious.   
Mary Lou had a strong faith.  She volunteered and was a member for many years at the Leyden United Methodist Church in Leyden.  She taught Sunday School and would also give the children’s sermon.  She could be found making food for Blueberry, Strawberry, and Sugar on Snow dinners along with other church functions.  Mary Lou enjoyed working at the Leyden Fair booth, especially on Sunday mornings where she could be found peeling veggies out back and talking to all of the people that stopped by.  Mary Lou had her favorite spot to sit each Sunday, next to her Mother-In-Laws window at the church.  Her faith was so strong and her love for everyone was so great, that she could even be found marrying loved ones and strangers she had never met.  The rays of love poured out of her.  
Mary Lou had such a loving heart she could be found rubbing backs, hugging others and giving the I Love You sign.  Mary Lou legit loved everyone a bushel and a peck.  
Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 52 years, Elwin Barton of Leyden, her son Carey Barton, her two daughters Tanya and Samantha Barton, all of Leyden.  She leaves behind her 7 wonderful Grandchildren, Ryleigh, Cooper, Avery, and Theresa Barton, Kaelynn Chabot, and Adeline and Ronald Ebbighausen.  Mary Lou leaves behind her 9 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, which she absolutely adored.  
    A private burial will be held at West Leyden Cemetery in Leyden.  Calling hours will be Monday, April 22nd from 4-7 at Kostanski Funeral Home in Greenfield, MA.  
      Donations can be made in Mary Lou's honor to the following organizations: Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care 329 Conway St. Greenfield, MA. 01301, Leyden United Methodist Church 15 West Leyden Rd. Leyden, MA .01337 and Robertson’s Memorial Library 7 Brattleboro Rd. Leyden, MA. 01301.  
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com
 

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