Barnes, Yolanda “Toni” Parenza- 1923-2011

BARNES, BAXTER, DAVIS, DORGAN, PARENZA

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 9/19/2024 at 15:53:17

Yolanda "Toni" Barnes died on November 25, 2011 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
She was born on June 2, 1923 in Biddle, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Attilio and Amelia Parenza. Her family moved to Melrose, Iowa when she was in grade school and operated the Parenza corner store. After high school Toni attended nurse's training at St. Joseph Hospital Nursing School in Ottumwa, Iowa. During World War II, Toni served in the army nurse corps where she met her husband of 61 years, Vernon Barnes. The couple moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 1950. They had three daughters, Paula, Susan and Mary Kay, raised in Waterloo. Toni worked as a registered nurse until her retirement. She and her husband moved to McCauley Terrace in Johnston, Iowa in 2004.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Vernon; her daughters, Paula Barnes (Mike Baxter), Susan Barnes (Jean Davis), and Mary Kay Dorgan (Dan); her five grandchildren, Gabe (Macarena), Amanda, Molly (Matt), Alissa and Andrew; and two great-grandchildren, Violeta and Nicanor.
Private Family Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street, Waterloo, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, November 27, 2011, page 6B