MARY JOANN BARKER

Mary Joann Barker Age 82, passed away on July 9, 2013 while on vacation in Mendocino County. She was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Matthew Francis Ripberger and Anna Columbia Smith on July 31, 1930. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948 and traveled to San Francisco shortly thereafter, where she met Bill, the love of her life, and never turned back. Mary worked for the State of California and became the very first woman Toll Sergeant on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge where she was admired for her honesty and fairness. She became a member of St. Isabella's Catholic Church following the closure of Blessed Sacrament Parish. After retirement she enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Wings of Song Chorus and felt privileged to sing at Carnegie Hall as well as in Berlin and Vienna. She and Bill were long-time members of a San Rafael Bocce Ball team that was hard to beat; there are many trophies to prove it. Mary was a devoted wife and mother who touched the lives of many with her generosity and kindness. She is survived by William Henry, her husband of 62 years, her children: Kathleen, Constance, Michael, Patricia and her son-in-law, Steven Schuler, and by five grandchildren: Sarah, Jessica, Marianne, Alicia, David and by her great-grandchildren: Deus and Cruz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a Rosary on Wednesday July 17th at 7:00 PM and a Memorial Mass on Thursday July 18th at 11:00AM. Both services will be held at St. Isabella's Catholic Church located at One Trinity Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. Donations in her honor may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Adobe Creek Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences may be made AdobeCreekFuneralHome. com 415-883-8070