Mary Orbin Barker

LT Col US Army (Ret.) passed away on October 11, 2016 at Mount Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, VA. She was 96. She was the beloved wife of the late Col. Derwood A. Barker (Ret.), loving mother of Derlaine Russell and her husband Andy, Ronald Barker and his wife Susan, the late Deborah Hatch and loving aunt of Marcella Magsamen and her husband Leonard; cherished grandmother of Camden McCormack, Katherine Skouras, Bradford Russell, Brent Barker and great grandmother of Emory and Josiah Barker. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Barker was born in Oakmont, WV and grew up in Kitzmiller, MD. She graduated from Providence School of Nursing (part of Catholic University) and joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1943. While serving her country for 25 years she earned numerous awards during World War II, the Korean Crisis, and the Vietnam War.

Mary and Derwood married in 1967 and she became a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in 1968, remaining a faithful and supportive member until her death.

A funeral service consisting of visitation at 10 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday October 27 at Good Shepard Catholic Church, Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Hwy, Alex., VA 22309 or to the donor’s choice.