Alice Barker

1920 - 2016

Alice Loraine Barker

Lansing

Alice Loraine (Riley) Barker, age 95 passed away on July 26, 2016 under the loving care of her family, Dimondale Nursing Center and Great Lakes Hospice.  Alice was born on October 17, 1920 in Hubbardston, MI; one of 10 children of John and Louise (Rockey) Riley.  Alice graduated from St. John the Baptist High School in Hubbardston, MI in 1938. 

It was while attending a baseball game in Fowler that she noticed the handsome, athletic pitcher, Elmer Barker.  They soon fell in love and married on February 7, 1942.  Elmer left for WWII shortly after and Loraine anxiously awaited his return.  In 1950, they moved to St. Johns where he owned and operated Barker Plumbing & Heating.  Loraine, as she was better known by many, was the epitome of a loving, hardworking and devoted mother.  Her seven children, all of whom survive her, Sheila (Larry) Sykora of Lansing and Marquette, David (Michelle) Barker of Lansing, Doug (Mary Jo) Barker of Traverse City, Karen (Andy) Anderson of Kentucky, Katie (Michael) Stanley of Lansing, Dan (Mary Lee) of Hudsonville and Teresa (Dona Neilson) Barker of California. 

Loraine was happiest surrounded by all of her family.  Her children were her life and she enjoyed every activity and adventure she was a part of.  Her Irish spirit was ever present and St. Patrick's Day was a favorite time to celebrate all that was good in her life.  Loraine had extra love to share with her adored and loving grandchildren; there are 14 altogether.  When you add the eight great grandchildren, the Barker parties are full of love and excitement, just how Loraine liked it.  Her siblings, nieces and nephews were also close and very special to her.  The extended Riley/Barker family was never lacking in fun and love, with Loraine often the center of attention. 

In 2008, she sadly lost her husband of 66 years.  Loraine was also preceded in death by her parents, her sisters; Patty Schaefer and Betty Geller, brothers; Jack, Joe, Leonard and Gene Riley.  Four sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and she was most saddened by the loss of her young niece and nephew, Jan Riley Thelen and Pat Geller.

Loraine loved life and loved her family the most.  Anything Irish, John Denver, Pavarotti, reading, quilting, painting, going to Higgins Lake, eating butter pecan ice cream and even doing laundry were among her favorite things.   

Loraine was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lansing where a celebratory mass at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2016, will be held with Rev. Fr. John Byers as celebrant.  On Friday, July 29, 2016, visitation will take place at Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel, 520 E. Mt. Hope Avenue in Lansing at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.  In lieu of flower the family requests donations be sent to Hubbardston Area Historical Society, 6851 Carson City Road, Sheridan, MI 48884 or the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building Fund, 3815 So. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910.  Condolences can be sent to the family at www.palmerbush.com. 

She will be missed by all.  Erin Go Braugh!