Annette Marie “Barnacle” Verdon Lenard, 59, of Englewood, Fla., passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in her sleep, in her Englewood home.

July 24, 1953, Annette was brought into this world, along with her optimistic attitude and bright smile. She was born and raised by her parents, Jack and Barbara Berry, in Clinton, Mass.

She fought an audacious battle of COPD, and was just seven months short of 60. Barnacle was the former owner of the Original Barnacle Bills restaurant. Petite and tall, with eyes like the ocean and mocha-colored hair that matched her dark, sun-kissed skin, stood a woman that left footprints on the heart of anyone that got lucky enough to come into contact with her. This description belongs to the amazing woman of Annette Verdon Lenard.

Annette had a passion for reading. Whenever she got the chance to, she read anything and everything. Annette also dedicated her free time to gardening, tanning, cooking, taking photos, watching soap operas and spending time with her children, Mariah Verdon, 25, David Lenard, 18, and Nicole Lenard, 16.

In 1971, when Annette turned the wild and reckless age of 18, she moved down to Daytona Beach, Fla., where she met the love of her life and first husband, Bill Verdon. For 21 years, until Bill’s passing in 1991, Bill stood by Annette as not only a husband, but also as a best friend and business partner. Together, in 1980, they opened up the well-known restaurant, the Original Barnacle Bills, down by Englewood Beach in Englewood. Annette and Bill also added their baby girl, Mariah, to the Verdon family in 1987. Later down the road, Annette got remarried to David Lenard, and they had two children of their own, David and Nicole Lenard. Several years after the birth of Nicole, the couple split.

Annette kept Barnacle Bills strong for a good and long 31 years before it recently closed down the summer of 2011, a year and a half ago. She not only kept her business strong, but herself as well. Juggling between taking care of three growing children and handling her business, Annette also coped with COPD, making her struggle to breathe. Constantly on breathing treatments and medications, the disease progressed throughout the years, but she kept going. “The only reason I’m still going is because of you kids,” Annette formerly said to her three children. Her kids were the center of her world, along with Barnacle Bills. Even when she had every reason to give up and quit, Annette fought. She fought every minute of her life until she could no longer physically handle it and the severe case of COPD took over her life.

During her lifetime, Annette affected everyone and anything that came across her with the greatness of her presence and positive outlook on life. Anyone who knew Annette could tell you only gratifying things about her giving, kind and all-around genuine soul. Everyone she met couldn’t help but love her. Annette was known to some as “The happiest person they knew.” She was not only a friend to most but also a mother, sister, wife, aunt and boss. She was known for her good deeds, accomplishments and heroic strength. Annette left a lasting impression on people that will never be forgotten. Her memory, like the ocean, will linger on, long after her footprints in the sand are gone.

She is survived by her father, Jack Berry of Connecticut; children, Mariah Verdon, David Lenard and Nicole Lenard of Florida; brothers, Billy Berry and David Berry of Connecticut, and Robert and Jimmy Berry of Florida; sisters, Pamela Corey, Susanne Fausher and Anne Marie Cunneen of Connecticut, and Kim West of California; and her many nieces and nephews. Annette was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Berry, in 2011; spouse, Bill Verdon, in 1991; and brothers, Jack and Thomas Berry.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at 800 Morningside Drive (off Pine Street), Englewood. All family members and friends are welcome to honor the life of Annette Marie Verdon Lenard. Contact Nicole Lenard at 941-882-2730 for any further information.

Thank you to the Lemon Bay Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Englewood.