Jean M. Barclay

JEAN MARILYN BARCLAY was born on June 21, 1922 to Melvin and Edna (Hallsten) Erickson in Sheyenne, North Dakota. She spent her childhood years in Sheyenne. At age 14, she moved with her family to Bismarck, North Dakota. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1940. She attended Bismarck Junior College for two years and then headed to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. Following her education, she worked for a couple years at a government school in North Dakota before moving to Magnolia, Minnesota for a teaching job. Although a bit hesitant at making the move to Magnolia, it was here that she met the love of her life, Pat Barclay, at the local café. They were united in marriage on June 27, 1946 back in Sheyenne. The couple made their home in Luverne where Pat had a Plumbing and Heating business and Jean was a homemaker. She loved being able to be home and care for her family. When Pat retired, the couple enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida and their summers at home in Luverne. Following Pat’s death in 1988, Jean continued wintering in Florida for the next 14 years.

On Friday, January 8, 2021, Jean died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne at the age of 98 years, six months and 17 days.

Jean was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. She taught Sunday School and Bible Study and was a part of Luther League. She was an avid reader and enjoyed getting together with friends to play bridge. One of her passions in life was travel. She traveled to many states and across the world, including trips to Africa, Australia, Russia, Central America and Europe.

Jean is remembered by her son, John David and his wife Vicki of St. Charles, Illinois; son-in-law, David Gaona of Bluffton, South Carolina; two granddaughters, Patricia and Camille Barclay; a brother, Donald Erickson of New Rockford, North Dakota; a special brother, Robert Cook of Fargo, North Dakota; and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Pat; daughter, Barbara Jean Barclay; parents; and a brother and his wife, Mayo and Elaine Erickson.

"This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" - Jean said this every day when she woke up and stepped out of bed.