Gloria Marie Barker, beloved mother and lifetime resident of Grosse Pointe, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, March 26, 2013. She was born March 31, 1927 to John and Hazel (DeBolt) Laughna as the youngest of six children. Gloria graduated from St. Clare of Montefalco grade school and Dominican High School, and attended the University of Detroit, where she met the love of her life, James V. Barker, whom she married in 1953. She and James had three children -- Craig, Claudia (Mark Valente III) and Kirk. She was predeceased by her husband James and son Kirk, as well as her four brothers and sister. A true professional in her own right, Gloria owned her own tool shop at a time when few women were in business, let alone manufacturing. She ultimately made her way into Real Estate, first with Palm Queen Realty in 1981, and then moving on to Johnston and Johnston Real Estate in 1986. Mrs. Barker was active in various community affairs, serving as President of the Star of the Sea altar society, a member of the Christ Child society, the Fontbonne Auxiliary of St John Hospital, the Assistance League of Beaumont Hospital, and a past member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and the Otsego Ski Club/Hidden Valley. Her family described her as a loving and supportive mother who provided a warm and welcoming home, always filled with ever-present pets, both cats and dogs. She enjoyed music, traveling, gardening, golf, and, consistent with her strong Irish heritage, anything having to do with the University of Notre Dame. But mostly she enjoyed the relationships she had built with her many lifelong friends. Gloria had a zest for life...she had a remarkable gift of friendship...she was an excellent conversationalist who loved chatting with people...she had a heart of gold and loved life, and she was happiest spending time with her family and friends...Her family said she will be remembered as a vivacious person who loved to socialize with others. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Philomena Catholic Church at 11 am Saturday, April 13, 2013, preceded by Visitation at 10 am, also at St. Philomena. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria's memory to St. Philomena Changing Lives Together 4281 Marseilles St, Detroit, MI 48224-1446 or to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207.
Funeral Home:
A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe Woods
20705 Mack
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
US 48236
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