“Your Glass Is Half Full”: The Life Lessons Found in Emma Barnett’s Century of Chapters

Author: Shannon Johnson, Media Specialist

Barnett at 18 years old

Barnett at 102 years old

Emma Barnett, then Emma Kuster, grew up in a little house on 8th Avenue in Eau Claire. Today, the street is lined with century-old homes, offering a glimpse into the world Emma knew as a young girl. That’s because she was born on December 29, 1923.

“I grew up in the depression. I didn’t realize we were poor.”

Their home had no running water, and Barnett’s mother made their clothes.

“We weren’t allowed to wear anything torn,” said Barnett.

Despite the time of financial uncertainty, Barnett’s family, who came to the U.S. from Switzerland, made the most of what they had.

Barnett as a baby

“I remember one thing. When my dad worked at people’s houses, especially down in the Third Ward, they would throw out this and throw out that,” said Barnett. “They threw out these pair of roller skates. One was really good, but the other one, the wheels were off the back.”

That didn't stop her. Barnett slipped them on anyway and skated across the porch, sending sparks flying. She laughed as she recalled the memory.

Barnett and her siblings had to work hard, though.

“We had to work in the garden every morning.”

And if they wanted to go anywhere, including school at Sacred Heart, they had to walk.

But even as a young girl, Emma found moments to escape into another world. While her mother taught her how to stitch and sew, Emma admitted she would sometimes sneak away to read. That love of books stayed with her throughout her life and eventually became a calling. 

After graduating from high school, Barnett attended vocational school and took a civil service exam. At 18 years old, she was offered a job in Washington, D.C., during World War II.

“That was a big decision,” said Barnett.

But she never doubted herself.

“I thought, well, I guess I’m just as good as anybody else that’s going to Washington to work.”

Emma pictured with her late husband Walter Edward Barnett

She began as a stenographer before becoming a colonel’s secretary. She spent four years in Washington, living in a house with seven women. She laughed as she didn’t forget to mention they only had one bathroom.

During that time, Barnett also met her late husband, a Navy serviceman from Alabama, Walter Edward Barnett. To her, Eddie. 

The two eventually came back to Eau Claire.

“We made our home,” said Barnett.

Their return was also the start of a lifetime of service. 

“When Saint James [the Greater Catholic Church] started, I got really involved in that,” Barnett said.

She spent nearly 60 years as the librarian at Saint James School, helping generations of children discover the joy of reading. Beyond the books, she devoted countless hours to her parish, serving through the Council of Catholic Women. She also inspired friends and fellow volunteers to make a difference both locally and globally, partnering with Fierce Freedom in the fight against human trafficking. Even today, she continues her lifelong commitment to serving others by volunteering with Dove Healthcare. 

At 102, Barnett believes living a long life is about the person you choose to be every day.

“I would say, be positive. Your glass is half full, not half empty. Be kind. I always try to be kind.”

As the years passed and she said goodbye to her husband and her lifelong friends, Barnett made a point to build new friendships to stay connected. She also remains committed to caring for both her body and mind. 

“I try to do the best to keep myself healthy.”

Emma Barnett pictured with her sister, Maratha, who is about to turn 100

She never misses a doctor or dentist appointment, still tends to her garden, does her own housework, challenges herself with crossword puzzles and word games, and cherishes time with family and friends, calling her daughter, Ann, who is also a librarian, every morning.

“I am very thankful,” added Barnett.

A century later, Barnett continues to live with resilience, optimism, faith and kindness. Her life is a story worth reading. It’s one filled with lessons about gratitude, perseverance and the importance of seeing the good in every chapter.