Theresa H. Barker

On August 2, 1921 Theresa Finn was born to Daniel and Hannah Finn in Gary, Indiana. Her life spanned over 92 years, all lived fully with a large family, loving friends and lucky students. Theresa had an adventurous spirit which led her to say, “Yes!” when she was asked if she would like to go to live with an aunt in Amherst, MA in 1930, which led to her later graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Massachusetts. Her long teaching career began in Gary, Indiana in 1946 at Wirt High School where she taught Chemistry, Physics and Math. Her teaching career was briefly interrupted by her marriage to Edward R. Hannon and her being a mom to their seven (7) children. She returned to teaching math at Edison High School in 1962 and then returned to Wirt High School in ’65. Her adventurous spirit then led Theresa to move to Houston, TX after being widowed in 1975. Her skill as a high school math teacher was much appreciated at Spring Branch High School and Stratford High School in Texas where she then met and married her husband James (Jim) Barker. They danced and laughed together for the next five years until his death 1991. Theresa was an active member of her local Catholic parishes, volunteering her time and energy tutoring, PTO and numerous school fund raising committees. She was a lifelong member of Kappa Kappa Gama Sorority, American Association of University Women, a leader in math education in each of her schools, and a member of numerous professional organizations and societies. Theresa leaves behind her seven children, Joan Malone (Bob), Edward R. Hannon (Lisa), John T. Hannon (Laura), Judy Stephens (Lance), Teri Brewer (Stephen), Tim M. Hannon (Shannon) and Mark D. Hannon (Kim) as well as 19 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She is also survived by her brother, John Finn, of Largo, Florida. Theresa peacefully ended her adventures in Brownsburg, Indiana on April 10th, surrounded by family. Funeral services Tues. April 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St Mary of the Lake Church (Miller), 6060 Miller Ave., Gary, In. Rev. Andrew Corona officiating. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Portage, In. Friends may visit with Theresa’s family at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point on Monday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Theresa will lie in state at St. Mary of the Lake Church from 9:00 a.m until the time of services at 10:00 a.m. www.burnsfuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 10401 North Meridian St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46290, (317)469-9604.

Theresa H. Barker

August 2, 1921 - April 10, 2014