Gertrude F. Barker

Founder and first Dean of the College of Health Professions at UMass Lowell, died at home at age of 89 on Tuesday. She was the wife of the late Frederick P. Barker. A native of Swampscott, she was residing at Lasell Village in Newton at the time of her death. Dr. Barker graduated from Swampscott High School, Salem Hospital School of Nursing, and Boston University, where she earned her doctorate in Health Education in 1967. She holds an Alumna status at Harvard University where she studied Health Systems Management. Dr. Barker opened the first Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Lowell State College in 1968. She added four more Baccalaureate Health Profession Majors and a Graduate Nursing Program at what is now UMass Lowell. She pioneered in "physical assessment" by nurses in the Graduate Program. This was a highly controversial practice because previously nurses did not use stethoscopes or other physicians instruments. Physical assessment has now become an accepted practice by nurses trained in this specialization. She leaves her son Frederick, Jr. of Tewksbury; her daughter Diane Barker Carr of Lexington; her sister Marion Morse of Lynn, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She will long be remembered for her progressive thinking and her pursuit of life-long learning. Services will be private. Donations may be made to a Scholarship Program in her honor for the UMass Lowell School of Nursing and sent to UMass Lowell, University Advancement, Southwick Hall 250, 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854.