Friday, May 17, 2024
Catherine Jane Barker, beloved wife, mother and longtime teacher in the Edmonds School District, passed away in the early evening on November 13 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease and complications of a recent stroke.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bob Barker, and her elder brother, Rick Hart (Louanne), her two children Bruce Barker (Danica) and Darcey Barker (Brian Harper), and grandchildren Payton and Logan Barker, along with many more from the extended Hart and Barker family.
Catherine will always be remembered for her intelligence and quick wit, having employed such with her family and her many students during her too-short 77 years on this earth.
Born in Winnipeg, MB, to Jack and Audrey Hart, she was the middle child of three (Rick and Gord Hart). Catherine moved as a child to the warmer climes of Penticton, BC, graduating from Penticton HS with one of her lifelong friends (and fellow Beatles lover), Bev Canty.
Upon graduation from Penticton High School, Catherine moved to Vancouver, BC, and met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Barker, their rapid romance leading to their marriage just before Catherine's 21st birthday, a marriage that would last for over 56 years.
Wasting little time, Bob and Catherine had two children, Bruce and Darcey, raising them gladly in the midst of the larger Hart and Barker clans of British Columbia.
In 1979, work opportunities took Catherine's family to nearby Washington State, where her enchantment with the former mill town of Edmonds took hold, a city she lived in for the rest of her life.
Catherine furthered her education as a young mother in the USA, garnering her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Washington, with her Teaching Certificate. Catherine was hired in 1986 by the Edmonds School District and taught multiple grades for over 25 years at College Place, Martha Lake and Cedar Way elementary schools.
Catherine's commitment and good humor led her to develop long lasting relationships amongst her teaching colleagues and students, many of whom she remained in contact with long after retirement.
Catherine's golden years led to many trips overseas with her husband to indulge her love of history and fine art.
New York and the bright lights of Broadway were also a favorite, along with many winters in lovely Mesa, AZ, where she and Bob were "snowbirds."
In her final years, despite a challenging diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, Catherine persevered and never lost connection with those she loved, thankfully. It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that her burgeoning optimism and laughing spirit will be remembered, forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Edmonds Yacht Club on Sunday, January 21, between the hours of 1:30 and 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, all friends and family of Catherine are encouraged to donate to the Alzheimer's Association.
