Marilyn Barry

Marilyn D. Barry (Lehto), age 65 of New York Mills, MN, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at her home with loved ones by her side.

Marilyn was born on May 22, 1959 in Superior, WI, to Martin and Miriam (Hakkila) Lehto. She attended elementary school in Brule, WI and graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple, WI. After high school and pursuing her love of animals, she attended Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin and received a degree in Veterinary Tech care. She went on to work as a vet tech and dog groomer, opening her own shop, Marilyn's Pet Salon in Superior, WI.

In 1984, Marilyn met Dennis Barry in Brule they were joined in marriage on August 13, 1988 and lived in Wadena, MN. In 1994, the couple moved to their forever home in New York Mills. Being the lifelong learner she was, Marilyn set to further her education and become a teacher. She attended school in Brainerd, MN, obtaining her prerequisites, and then earning a bachelor's degree at Bemidji State and then her Master's in Education from Hamline University. After completing her schooling, Marilyn took on the role as a substitute teacher for the communities surrounding Wadena. She then went on to be a Reading Interventionist in the Perham School District, retiring from her role in May 2021.

Marilyn had many interests, hobbies, and loved to travel. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Even though she wasn’t a fan of swimming, Marilyn stepped out of her comfort zone and learned to snorkel. She and Dennis traveled to many different parts of world including her ancestral country of Finland, along with Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, England, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ecuador, Estonia, and Peru. She traveled the United States from Maine to Washington and Alaska to Hawaii. Her interests also included a love of music and she learned to play several instruments, including the violin and accordion. She loved concerts, taking a special trip to Las Vegas to see Donny Osmond with her sister and niece. She loved performing arts, and had roles in productions and acting with the Wadena Madhatters Community Theatre. Marilyn had a love for all animals and enjoyed caring for her donkeys, cats, and dogs.

Being a stargazer and loving astronomy, it would be no surprise that Marilyn was an avid Star Trek fan. She even attended a convention to see her favorite characters in person. She was also a Minnesota Twins fan and enjoyed the rivalry at home between the Vikings and Green Bay Packers, the Packers being the best all the way. Marilyn enjoyed watching car racing, especially Copp Family drivers. She also had the opportunity to see an F-1 race in England.

Marilyn’s most deepfelt love was spending time with her family and friends, most importantly her grandchildren. She will be forever missed and cherished by many.

Surviving Marilyn are her husband, Dennis; stepdaughters, Lisa Barry and Jennifer Barry (Nathan Zobel); grandchildren, Makayla, Astri, and Iona; siblings, Rodney (Betty) Lehto, Daryl (Patricia) Lehto, Steve (Cheryl) Lehto, Carol (Brian) Bursch, and Stuart (Jules) Lehto; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Preceding Marilyn in death were her parents; grandmother, Mary “Äiti” Hakkila; parents-in-law, Joseph and Barbara Barry; and brother-in-law, Harald Barry.

Visitation will be at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration will also be held in Brule, WI, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Marilyn’s memory.

The family would like to thank Marilyn’s care teams in both Perham and Fargo.

Please join the family for fellowship and food following Marilyn's service.