Genevieve "Gen" Pauline Barnard

Genevieve Pauline “Gen” Barnard Genevieve Pauline “Gen” Barnard, 92 of Ocala passed away peacefully on July 26 2021 at Superior Residences at Cala Hills, Ocala. Gen was born January 2, 1929 to Peter and Mary (Kukielski) Barnard in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up, Gen worked in her parent’s general store and in her teen years worked as a teller at a local bank. It was in July of 1946, as she was working in the store, she met a young man who had just come home from the Navy, Melvin “Mel” Barnard. On February 15 1947 Gen & Mel were married at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. Married for 73 years until Mel’s passing in 2020, they were blessed with 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. In 1951 Gen & Mel purchased some property in Ingleside, Illinois and built what was originally going to be a weekend escape from the city with their children. In 1955 they moved to Ingleside permanently and resided there until Mel’s retirement. Gen and Mel started spending time between Illinois and Florida in the early 70’s. In the summer months they would come to Illinois and Gen would work the concession stand at Holiday Park, a job she truly enjoyed. Officially making Ocala their permanent residence in 1972, Gen set out to go back to work at a job where she could use her bookkeeping skills. She found that job at Silver Springs State Park. She held that job for 20 years, officially retiring in 1992. Never one to sit idle, once Gen retired from Silver Springs she became active at the adult community where she and Mel lived, Spanish Oaks. She became the activities director for the community, taught square dancing with her husband at the Social Hall as well as competitive square dancing with Mel throughout the Ocala/Leesburg area. Gen is survived by her two sons Melvin Jr (Linda) Barnard of Ocala and John (Sharon) Barnard, Ingleside, IL; five grandchildren; Jansje (Don) Roberts, TN; Karel (Fanny) Hoppe, NJ; Drew Barnard, FL; Micheal Barndollar, IL; Rachel (Chancellor) Smith, IL; five great-grandchildren; Hayden & Grant Roberts, TN; Alexa & Clarissa Hoppe, NJ and Benjamin Smith, IL. Gen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel Sr., daughter, Linda Barnard Hoppe, son-in-law, Bill Hoppe, her parents, one brother and one sister. In keeping with Gen’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral Services-Ocala, 352-629-7171. Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.