Helen Barney

Helen Elizabeth (Rondeau) Barney, passed away in St. Johnsbury on May 24, 2025, at the age of 102. She was born on October 16, 1922, in Durham, NH to Anna and Ludger Rondeau. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in 1941 and attended Keene Teacher’s College. She enlisted in the United States Army and worked at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. While at the Navy Yard she met Lieutenant Albert W. Barney, Jr. As soon as the elevator door opened and she caught her first glance of the charming Navy Officer, she knew that she was going to marry him!

They married on October 16, 1948, and moved to St. Johnsbury where they raised their 3 daughters. While Al was in court, Helen was very involved with her children as a Girl Scout leader, home room mother and a member of the PTG. She also volunteered at Brightlook Hospital and was involved with the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. Helen and Al were married for 61 years and traveled extensively, especially after Al’s retirement. They made road trips throughout the states and enjoyed tours of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

Helen was very determined that the area children should have access to books in their school, so in the early 1960’s she started a small library at the Frank R. Adams and Summer St. Schools which grew into a complete library for the elementary school system.

Having been brought up on the East Coast, she absolutely loved her lobster! Every special event had to include a boiled lobster! Her other passion was knitting and crocheting. She enthusiastically gifted everyone with handmade scarves and tote bags of every imaginable color and style.

Helen’s greatest love was for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She saved every little hand drawn picture, arts and crafts items as well as all the greeting cards that she and my father ever received!

Helen is survived by her 3 daughters: Marianne Sullivan and husband Bill; Joan D’Angelo and Kathleen Bussiere; six grandchildren: Ethan Hayes and Ashley Wood, Alexandra Fincham and husband, Joe; Nicholas D’Angelo; Julianna D’Angelo; Willis Bussiere; Arletta Singh and husband, Angad. Four great grandchildren: Hannah, Tucker, Maliya and Nathaniel. She was pre-deceased by her parents; husband, Chief Justice Albert W. Barney; her sisters Barbara Nason, Shirley Brittell and brother, Robert Rondeau.

Guibord-Pearsons & Sayles Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.