Lorena Larriva Barker

Lorena Larriva Barker passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023, in Georgia at the age of 87. Mom left this world as she lived it, with her adoring family by her side. We are all heartbroken.

Mom was the very definition of "bigger than life." She was the heart of our family, made friends everywhere she went and was always the loudest laugh in every room. She never passed up an opportunity to go out to lunch, volunteer at her church, throw a party, make a lemon meringue pie or have a shot of tequila. Playing cards of any kind - bridge, canasta, gin - was Mom's love language and she loved us so much that she never let us win. We all remember waking up - and sometimes going to sleep - with the sound of Mom shuffling the cards.

After graduating from Arizona State University, Lorena returned to Arizona and in 1960, met and married Robert Barker. With an adoring husband and five children, Mom quickly earned a nickname: "The Organizer." We had a meal on the table every night, clean clothes in the closet, an (overly) involved homeroom mother and the privilege of having the coolest Mom in the city. Mom led the only Girl Scout troop with an actual waiting list of little girls who were desperate to go camping with Mrs. Barker.

We all grew up but we're not certain that Mom ever did. When she turned 50, she became a full-time teacher, including at St. Francis (Phoenix) and at Assumption and St Paul's Catholic School(s) in Jacksonville. At 70, she took to traveling, with trips to Egypt, Israel, Spain and Italy. In her 80s, Mom moved from Arizona to Georgia and began month-long visits with her children and grandchildren, often arriving with one suitcase, two decks of KEM cards, and a schedule for mass at her favorite churches.

Lorena was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob, parents René and Carmen Larriva, and siblings Eloisa Larriva and Alfonso Larriva (Marilyn). She is survived by her brother René Larriva (Diane).

Mom leaves behind a bereft but grateful family, including children Robert (Marsha), Renee (Steven), Carmen (Kevin), Ana (David), and Tracy (Gary). Nineteen grandchildren claimed Abuela Lorena for their own, including Brittany (Taylor), R.J., Daniel, Michael, Madie, Zack, Ryan (Shannon), Matthew, David, Ben, Renee, Mia, Elise, Kalani, Christopher, Nicholas and Sammy. She also had four great-grandchildren - Zoey, Hayden, Vada, and Rae - as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her family, one of Mom's great loves was the Catholic Church. She found endless joy in her faith and set an example for all of us, living a life of generosity and service. If you would like to donate in her honor, please consider supporting St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

St. Vincent de Paul

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