LORRAINE BARKER

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Lorraine Catherine (Terrian) Barker. Mom suffered a stroke on Christmas day and passed away at ThedaCare Hospital on December 28th at the age of 97.

Lorraine was born June 8th, 1924, to Anna (Madigan) and Edward Terrian.  She grew up in Menasha, eventually moving to Racine to work for the telephone company.  While in Racine, she met Gerald (Jerry) Louis Barker.  They were married on Valentine's Day, February 14,1945 and moved back to the Fox Valley.  They lived in Mackville for a few years before moving to Neenah.  They had eight children and were happily married until November 11, 1968, when a drunk driver killed her husband Gerald (age 45) and daughter Ann (age 18).  Mom was as stubborn as the day was long and that helped her get some through some tough times.

Lorraine worked several different jobs while we were growing up.  She was a waitress, cleaning lady and desk clerk at a hotel.  She later worked in retail stores in Neenah and Appleton, ultimately retiring when she was 80 years old.

Her family was her pride and joy, and she embraced every moment with them.  Mom enjoyed trying new recipes and especially loved baking.  At Christmas time she would make at least 20 varieties of cookies which she shared with family and friends.

Lorraine was an accomplished seamstress and loved making clothes.  She loved dogs and had one until the last few years.  Mom was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan. She loved all music, was proficient on the drums and later took up the piano. She had a large collection of old classic 78 records. Dancing and singing were also favorite pastimes. She did a great jitterbug.

Our mom was introduced to Charlie Breakfield in the 1970s.  He was her companion for 40+ years.  They shared a love for dancing, music, good food, boating and fishing.

Until covid hit and closed things down, Lorraine sang weekly with Lyrics and Laughter.  Mom belonged to Fox Valley Memory Project and the On A Positive Note Chorus.  She sang in her last concert on December 2nd of this year.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald (Jerry), daughter Ann, brother George, brother-in-law Donald, nephew Frank McKeever and special family friend Charlie Breakfield.  Mom is survived by seven children Donald (Beryl), James (Janice), Sandra (Daniel) Vander Linden, Nancy (David Odell), Jack (Judy Fowler), Patrick (Gina Diederich) and Stephen (Ann Elliott).  In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren Robert (Julie) Barker, Kirk (Chass) Barker, Dereck (Crystal) Barker, Aaron Barker, Dawn (Joseph) Esselman and Rachel (Timothy) Pielach. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Tori Tate, Cameron and Caitlin Barker, Sierra LeCaptain, and Lana and Kane Pielach. Lorraine is survived by her sister Virginia McKeever Fredericks.  

 Per mom's request there will be a private family celebration of life at a future date.  Interment will be at St. Margaret Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fox Valley Memory Project or On A Positive Chorus at 1800 Appleton Road, Menasha, WI  54952.