Sue Jean Barrios Horn

On January 15, 2016 Susan Jean Horn née Barrios passed away with her beloved husband, Hans-Werner at her side after a long courageous battle with the aftereffects of cancer treatment.

Born to Harold Lyle and Loretta Mildred (Newberry) Barrios on September 27, 1953, Sue joined her brother Stan, and later another brother, Richard would complete the Barrios family. Redwood City would be their first home.

After the death of her father Harold, the family eventually moved to San Jose, where Sue attended C. L. Fischer Jr. High, W. C. Overfelt High School and San Jose City College. She met and married Jonathan (“Big Jon”) Orr, with whom she had a son, Jonathan.

Sue tried many hats in the work field: fast food, waitress, church youth leader, banquet services for the Hyatt Corporation, fitness instructor, preschool teacher, account coordinator for ADP, and medical office manager to name a few. Always a student, Sue attended West Valley College and DeAnza College as she worked. It wasn’t until she met and married Hans that Sue was able to settle down and fulfill her lifelong dream of attaining her teaching credential at San Jose State.

For six years Sue taught at Graystone Elementary School spreading her love of learning and joy for life to her many students and their families. As health issues mounted, Sue was forced to leave the career she was so dedicated to. Later, when she was able, she went to work for the Morgan Hill Library. She also returned to San Jose State to attend library school at that time.

During her life Sue attended different churches, finally finding a fit at Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos. Her faith was always strong and loyal throughout. She enjoyed the fellowship every Saturday evening and, of course, would volunteer where she was able to help.

From an early age, Sue was an enthusiastic member and volunteer for countless groups and organizations, e.g. Girl Scouts, recreation leader, pep club, choir, CSF, the Red Cross, disaster aide after 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, San Jose Garden Club, book club, and church book store.

With Hans, Sue was able to blossom and finally find her true home. They shared their love of nature, music, exercise, cooking and time together. She would plan vacations around Hans’ many scientific conferences and business commitments that had them running from one site to the next. She loved travel. She was able to visit many places both here and abroad. Hawaii and the Alps were among her favorites. Sue’s love and appreciation for music was expanded greatly with Hans as her guide. She happily attended his numerous functions, concerts, and gigs. She was always smiling, supportive and helpful when needed. She was so proud to be Hans’ partner in life.

Sue had so many projects and ideas she cared about and so many people she loved, sometimes for short bursts or sometimes for the long haul, it would be impossible to list them all. All those who had the privilege to meet and know Sue were touched by her generous, caring and loving spirit. She was a true optimist and selfless giver. When Sue talked with you, she really listened and was genuinely interested. Her joy-filled laughter and mischievous grin will truly be missed. Always ready with a kind word she soothed many worries of others, but never burdened others with her troubles. She lifted us up, supported us, and loved us.

Sue was always organizing, improving and adding beauty to her surroundings. A gracious hostess, she would cook delicious meals for her friends and family in lovely thought-out settings. She was genuinely an awesome one of a kind lady.

Sue is survived by her beloved husband-soulmate Hans, dear son Jonathan, mother Loretta, brothers Stan Barrios and Richard Newberry, sister-in-law Laurie, kitty cat Bella and numerous relatives and friends.

Please come and celebrate Sue’s life on Saturday, January 30, 11AM

Chapel @ Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 N. Winchester Blvd.

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Phone: (408) 296-2977

In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of her favorite charities, “Ohlone College Foundation” *, is requested to honor her memory.

* Make a check payable to “Ohlone College Foundation” with “Ohlone Bands in honor of Sue Horn” on the memo line.

Mail it to:

Ohlone College Foundation

ATTN: Band Programs

43600 Mission Blvd.

Fremont, CA 94539-5847

The donation is tax deductible to the donor.