Paula Doreen Lind Barnes - family support

Paula Doreen Lind Barnes, 68, passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesus in Virginia Hospital Hospice on August 10 with family by her side. In 2020, Paula developed ovarian cancer that spread to her peritoneal abdominal cavity. She was a loving and energetic mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will sadly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Paula Doreen Lind Barnes was born June 20, 1956, in Minneapolis to Curtis Herbert Lind and Darlene Joann (Sandstrom) Lind. The family lived in Pike Lake in houses built by her dad and maternal grandfather Turre until her parents moved to Alaska.

She graduated from Proctor High School in 1974 and attended UMD and Lake Superior College for medical laboratory science. Paula worked for Essentia Health Clinics Laboratory in Ely, Tower and Babbitt, Cook Hospital, and lastly at Bois Forte Tribal Clinic as lab/x-ray manager-supervisor.

Paula married her soulmate, Jason Mathew Barnes, in 2016. It was her dream to go through life with him, completing their happy, loving journey.

Paula is also survived by three children with Robert Francis Trucano of Tower: Terah Sue Rinerson (Nathan), Robert Andrew Trucano, and Tasha Anna Trucano Majerle (Lee); 3 sisters: Pamela Peterson (Dave), “Lisa Anna” Repensky, Lana (Lind) Arro, and sister-in-law Juanita Trucano (who was more like a sister); the joys of her life, 5 grandchildren: Oryann Sophia Trucano, Hayden Rinerson, Evelyn Rinerson, Robert Charles Trucano Swartz and Cecilia Majerle; her mother, Darlene Lind; numerous nieces and nephews; and her mother-in-law Patricia Barnes of Quakertown, PA.

Paula was active at the Evangelical Free Church of Embarrass under Pastor Marlin Bjornrud and his wife, Jeanine. She was a part of choir, Sunday School, youth league events, school events for her children, and coaching volleyball, softball and basketball. She loved researching and recounting family history for further generations. She was an antiquer and crafter known for her soy candles and lotions. She loved remodeling and decorating houses. In the end, she discovered e-biking, and a love-hate relationship ensued.

She is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Fred and Anna (Savage) Lind, maternal grandparents Turre Alexander and her best friend, Grandma Edna (Nylund) Sandstrom, in-laws Charles and Mildred Trucano, her loving father Curtis Herbert Lind and father-in-law Donald Barnes.

Paula’s Celebration of Life will be held August 30 at 3pm at the Evangelical Free Church in Embarrass, and a gathering afterward at the Tower Civic Center for a silent auction, food, and remembrance.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Paula’s Go Fund Me (Note: The company charges a 2.8% credit card transaction fee, and that is included in your donation)

Previous note from Paula's children:

Paula Barnes who has peritoneal metastatic cancer which came from ovarian cancer that has grown throughout her abdomen. This has metastasized and collects fluid in her abdomen cavity. She drains 1-2 liters off her abdomen nightly. 

No other organ have been infected but she’s been battling this for over three years and the chemo is no longer working. The next step is back on taxol to knock down the growing cancer. Her insurance pays for most medical bills but the travel, food and hotel costs come out of pocket. Any amount helps her fund her treatment and is so appreciated. 

Tasha Trucano Majerle

Terah Sue Rinerson 

Robert Andrew Trucano (Andy)