POINT AU ROCHE — Natalie Marie "Cookie" Barnett, 67, of Point Au Roche, died peacefully Feb. 8, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
"Cookie" was born July 11, 1945, in Bellville, Texas, daughter of I.P. and Norma Mueller. She was named after her two grandmothers, Natalie Augus ta Louise Balke and Elsa Marie Mueller.
The nickname of Cookie came from her brother Robin Mueller and stuck with her throughout her life. Robin said that he called her Cookie because she was so sweet!
Cookie attended Pattison School in Pattison, Texas, gradu ating in 1963. In high school, Cookie played basketball for four years and was involved in numerous extracurricular ac tivities. She graduated third in her class. Within days of her graduation, Cookie enrolled in Texas Tech University located in Lubbock, Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech in 1966 with a Bachelor's degree in education.
Cookie moved to Plattsburgh with the Air Force in 1972. She went to work for Magram's Department in the Champlain Center South Mall in the mid 1970's as a sales clerk as well as a model at the Surrey Lounge, showing the latest in fash ions during lunch at the Surrey. Also, during the same time period, Cookie attained her real estate license and began sell ing real estate for Century 21 Norm Foote. Following her real estate career, Cookie began working for Marine Midland Bank in the North Country Shopping center.She was selected to be in charge of the first ATM on the Plattsburgh State University campus.
In 1981, Cookie married George M. Barnett and began a number of new adventures. She often said "I have been in a mess ever since I met him!" In the mid 1980s, Cookie part nered with Stephen Carpenter to open the Liquor and Wine Warehouse. The store was a great success and a great part nership. Cookie continued in the business until the late 1980's, when she moved on to become secretary and bookkeep er for Touraid Travel, where she was an integral part of the business for the remainder of her career. Cookie enjoyed trav el and traveled extensively as a representative of Touraid Travel. She attended countless cruise line inaugurals and recognition events. She and George were fortunate enough to be invited to the float out ceremonies for the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas in Finland.
Cookie was an avid golfer and was a member of the Bar racks Thursday Ladies league, Larry's [Carpenter] League, the Fripp Island Ladies league as well as the Fripp Nine Hole Ladies. She was a talented gardener and spent many hours attending to her many flower gardens and pots. Cookie also enjoyed deep sea fishing, crabbing, reading, and spending time with her family and many friends. Cookie and George spent many fun filled winters on Fripp Island in South Caroli na, enjoying the company of many new friends and activities.
Cookie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh. She was ordained an Elder in 1986 and served 1986-1988 and 2000-2002.
Cookie is survived by her husband, George M. Barnett; her mother, Norma Mueller of Brookshire, Texas; her brother, Robin Mueller of Sealy, Texas; her son, Geoffrey Bruner of Cadyville; her step children, George A. Barnett and Joy Passi no of Plattsburgh and Kristin and Brent of Davenport of Franklin, Mass.; and four loving grandchildren.
There will be no public calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh.
Donations in her memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 34 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 12901, or the Fripp Island All Faith Chapel, Fripp Island, South Carolina, 29920.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of Cookie Barnett, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com
