Irene Elizabeth Barber

Irene passed away peacefully in the arms of Bob on June 16, 2022 in Allen, Texas. She was born on December 22, 1928 in Manchester, New Hampshire to William Warner and Dorothy Cate Warner. Irene grew up in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School. On May 14, 1949, she married her true love, Robert Barber. They raised a family of nine active children. The couple shared 73 beautiful years together, good and bad.

Irene was a devout Catholic. She was longtime member of St. Therese Catholic Church, preceded by St. Pius Catholic Church in Dallas. Irene spent many years actively involved in each church. She loved the Lord and the Blessed Mother. Mom had us pray the Rosary every evening as a family. This legacy is her gift of love to us. Often times she told us, “The family that prays together stays together.” She loved and prayed for her husband, children, all their children, and all their children daily.

Mom enjoyed vividly colored clothing, pearls, thrift store shopping, milk with a little coffee and playing games, just to name a few. Family and friends converging on their farm throughout the year brought her joy. She always had food on the counter for any surprise visitors.

Many of you know socializing came naturally to mom. She could talk to anyone as if they had been long time friends. Irene’s good mood and cheerful outlook stayed with her to the very end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorothy Warner; daughter, Teresa Barber; brothers; Chuck and David and sisters; Bea and Helen.

Irene is survived by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Barber; children: Deborah Skirko, David and Kay Barber, Jeffrey and Belinda Barber, Jane Weil, Jacqueline and Salah Ihsan, Mary and Stan Hart, Lisa and Scott Schultz, Joan and Alan Kaplan; 32 grandchildren; 49 ½ great grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; brother, Danny and Ellen Warner; sister, Susan and Robert Barber; a host of other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, it was Irene’s wish that you donate to “St. Therese Catholic Church”.

Interment will be at Cana Cemetery in Van Zandt County, Texas.