Resident Spotlight: Joe Barnett – Finding Adventure Near and Far

When Joe and Marie Barnett moved to The Woods at Cornwall Manor in February 2012, they were already deeply woven into the community’s story. Marie’s mother had lived at Cornwall Manor for many years, progressing through several levels of care, and Marie’s 99‑year‑old aunt, Dorothy Hall, still lives in Westwood today. Their long family connection, paired with their United Methodist roots and love of nature, meant that choosing Cornwall Manor felt less like a move—and more like coming home.

“It’s the whole experience,” Joe reflects. “The staff, amenities, setting, neighbors and continuum of care. We never doubted our decision for a moment.”

A Career Built Underground—and Around the World

A native of West Chester, Joe attended Drexel University where he earned his BS in electrical engineering. After graduation, he joined the Philadelphia‑based construction firm Henkels & McCoy just as they expanded into engineering services. Joe’s engineering degree expanded into corrosion engineering—focused on protecting underground pipelines from deterioration, an expertise that would take him far.

For 38.5 years, Joe served the company in a number of positions. Their clients spanned the country as well as overseas with memorable assignments in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Brazil and Australia.

Despite the travel, Joe’s heart remained in West Chester, where he lived his entire life until moving to Cornwall Manor.

Family Life and Adventures

Joe met Marie at a college‑age program at West Chester United Methodist Church. As often happens with young adults on different paths, life took them temporarily separate ways—but once they completed their schooling, they reconnected, quickly fell in love, dated for just three months and married in July 1964.

Their first daughter, Debbie, arrived in 1966, prompting the couple to purchase their first home. Karen followed in 1968. Joe and Marie raised their daughters with a deep love of travel, the outdoors and experiences shared together. The family started with tent camping, graduated to a pop‑up camper, and embarked on two significant cross‑country trips—exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone, Glacier and beyond. Closer to home, they enjoyed visits to Niagara Falls and long weekends at their vacation home in the Lycoming area. In 1985, they settled into a second home in the Poconos, officially retiring from camping but never from adventure.

Marie’s mother moved to Cornwall Manor in 2006 and lived here until her passing at age 101. Watching firsthand the compassionate care she received strengthened Joe and Marie’s appreciation for the community before they joined it themselves.

Finding Connection Through Curiosity and Creativity

At Cornwall Manor, Joe has embraced community life with enthusiasm. He is active in the Cornwall Manor Railroad Club, volunteers at the Treasure Trove, bikes with the CM Cyclists and even surprised himself by joining the CM Players. “Theatre was never my thing,” he laughs, “but I did it reluctantly—and had the best time.”

He also participates in the resident-run Genealogy Group and helped coordinate the Hearing Loss Group. “The value of all these activities is getting to know other residents,” Joe emphasizes.

At home, he enjoys puzzles, reading mystery and history books, rooting for the Eagles and Phillies and keeping in touch with his two daughters and three grandchildren.

A Collector of Stories—And Pennants

Joe has visited every U.S. National Park in the lower 48 —a remarkable accomplishment that stems from decades of travel. Unlike most travelers who bring home magnets or mugs, Joe collects pennants. Today, he has more than 50 in his collection and will be presenting a program on National Parks, complete with many of these pennants, at the upcoming May Corson birthday party.

He continues to travel, especially on Cornwall Manor Life Enrichment trips. This July, he’ll visit Isle Royale National Park with his granddaughter—a special shared adventure.

Barn Quilts, Covered Bridges, Trolls, and More

Marie was an avid quilter, and during their travels, the Barnetts discovered their first barn quilt in Iowa. Joe became fascinated with “quilt trails”—routes showcasing brightly painted quilt squares on barns and buildings that celebrate local heritage. Wherever he travels, he now seeks these out.

This passion sparked a memorable idea: in 2023, Joe proposed creating a barn quilt for the Trailside Organic Farm during Cornwall Manor’s 75th anniversary. With collaboration from staff and residents, a beautifully designed barn quilt now adorns the Trailside Barn—an enduring contribution to the campus landscape.

Joe’s love of discovery doesn’t stop there. He also enjoys finding covered bridges, lighthouses, Mail Pouch tobacco signs and now the giant wooden troll sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. “It’s like a scavenger hunt,” he says. “It’s different and fun to find.”

He has also visited 18 of the historic “Merci Train” boxcars gifted to each state in 1949 as a thank‑you from the people of France for American support after World War II.

Unusual treasures, unexpected landmarks—Joe finds magic in the overlooked and extraordinary alike.

Looking Ahead

Despite the many places Joe has already explored, there’s still more on his wish list. If given the opportunity, he’d love to take an African safari.

Until then, he continues to share his curiosity, kindness and adventurous spirit with the Cornwall Manor community—a place that has become not just a home, but a joyful continuation of his lifelong journey.