Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Tricia Hennessy Obituary
July 1, 1962 – April 9, 2025
Tricia Hennessy Barker, 62, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 1, 1962, Tricia was the beloved wife of Russ Barker. She was a devoted bonus mom to Kylene & Courtney Barker, and an extremely adored grandmother to Kylene's four daughters and Courtney's four sons. Tricia was also a very loving dog mom to her cherished companion, Coco.
Tricia was the daughter of Mary Kay Hennessy and the late Jack Hennessy, and the dear sister of John Hennessy (Liz). She is deeply treasured by her nephews, Jack and Billy Hennessy; her aunts and uncles, Dr. Nancy Haney (Dr. Joe Haney) and Jacquelyn Hennessy; and cousins Maureen Pekosh (Richard), Jim Hennessy (Chris), Eileen Strong, and Kathy Butler (Kevin).
Tricia's distinguished career spanned over 35 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, where she served as a senior executive. She was admired not only for her strategic leadership but also her deep dedication to mentoring and empowering others throughout the organization. Tricia inspired countless colleagues and rising professionals, leaving a legacy of empowerment and encouragement throughout the organization.
Outside of Tricia's professional life, she was the heartbeat of every gathering. She loved traveling with Russ and their friends, especially to the wine country of California and Oregon. Together, Tricia and Russ made a perfect pair-he the chef, she the hostess-bringing warmth, charisma, and grace to every aspect of her life. Through Tricia's love of hosting friends and family, she created unforgettable memories filled with laughter and love. Tricia had a gift for connection. Her sharp humor, one-liners, and knowing smile-paired with the unmistakable twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes-made everyone around her feel seen, heard, and loved. Her circle of friends in both the Chicago area and North Carolina was wide and devoted, a testament to the joy and kindness she brought into the world.
Tricia leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and connection. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
A Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 31st, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Glenview, Illinois
A Celebration of Life
Friday, May 2nd, 2025
11:00 a.m.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tricia's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lorna Dewey
June 17, 2025
Beautiful inside and out! We all shared so many laughs. Taken way too soon. Friend you will forever be missed. Love you!
Billy Hennessy
May 11, 2025
Linda Schwank
May 11, 2025
Paul McCartney wisely said,". . .the love you make is equal to the love you take." By that or any measure, Tricia took infinite love with her when she passed. She was so very spectacular, beautiful, bold and brave. Always caring, humorous but never caustic, Tricia made my world a better place even when she told me to never dance in public again after a too fun night out when we were younger. I will forever miss her; may her memory be a blessing.
Carol Kay
May 3, 2025
I was devastated to hear this. Tricia was a student in my very first 6th grade science class as well as in my homeroom. She was such a delightful girl. She helped to make my first year of teaching a memorable one. She will always have a place in my heart.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Suzette Marek
April 29, 2025
I met Tricia and Russ when we moved to Chapel Ridge. She was a wonderful friend and a great character to meet. Her smile and laughter was infectious. She will be so missed.
Laura Wilson Bruns
April 28, 2025
I learned today that we lost a beautiful soul. My heart aches to hear that Tricia Hennessy the wonderful woman who lit up every room with beauty, grace and laughter has gone to be with our savior. Tricia, I am so very grateful to have seen you March 2024 and will cherish our reunion forever more. May you rest in peace dear friend.
Bobbie Gfeller
April 28, 2025
What I wouldn´t give to have more lunches, more cocktails and more laughs with this beautiful soul. We will miss that smile that could warm your heart.. our deepest condolences to all her family and beloved friends. Rest in peace sweet angel.
Ky Barker
April 28, 2025
Eileen Strong
April 26, 2025
Tricia was a beautiful woman inside and out. Will always remember us growing up having fun, the "trouble makers in the family" the best times spent together. And that laugh and beautiful smile. My heart breaks with this loss and my prayers and thoughts to Mary Kay, John, Liz, Jack, Bill, Russ and his family at this difficult time. I´m thankful and blessed to have Tricia in my life.
Ron Austin
April 25, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of such a beautiful woman. I worked with Trish at BCBS and will never forget the wonderful times we shared together. My deepest condolences to everyone who cherished and loved Trish. My heart aches for the family and her beloved Coco.
Ron Austin
Debbi Nichols
April 25, 2025
I first met Tricia through a mutual
Friend, Lori, as they contemplated a move to NC. She joined out Pinehurst group, to all out delight.
Sweet sister and gave us many laughs, but very talented professional too. She will
leave us all missing her!
Russ- you were a dedicated partner- I am feeling especially sad for you as you suffer this loss, but I admire your deep love and dedication.
Daniel Weathersby
April 24, 2025
I met Tricia back in 1991 providing her reports in support of her duties as a sales rep for BCBSIL/HCSC. She was one of the first people I remember meeting who actually had lived in North Carolina! She was a wonderful and sweet person. I'm glad I was able to share in a small piece of her life.
Audrey Rayford
April 23, 2025
May God Embrace the family in His Comfort and Peace during their time of bereavement. I had the pleasure of working with Tricia for several years. Tricia was a beautiful person inside & out and she will be truly missed. May she rest in eternal peace!
Forres Haggerty
April 23, 2025
My condolences to the family
Beth Pleeter
April 22, 2025
Tricia was one in a million ~ a beautiful soul with a smile that could light up any room. She brought joy, laughter and warmth wherever she went, and the world is dimmer without her in it.
She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were lucky enough to call her a friend. I feel grateful to have known her, and I´ll carry her memory with me always.
Lori Golden
April 22, 2025
Tricia was a devoted and trusted friend and family was truly her life. She considered many of her clients as close friends and family as well. I cannot express how devastating of a loss this is....all my love to those who will miss her deeply, we were all blessed to know her.
Joan Morris
April 22, 2025
Forever in our hearts, Tricia will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Sending love and prayers to Russ and the Hennessy and Barker families. May Tricia rest in peace.
Andrea Nichols
April 22, 2025
Tricia´s absence will leave a huge hole in all our souls but she will live forever in our hearts and memories. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She always had a smile on her face ,a contagious laugh and stories that captured everyone´s attention. You will be so missed my dear friend. May you rest in Peace with the angels.
Andrea Nichols
April 22, 2025
u
April 21, 2025
So beautiful...So loved...So missed
Kelly Rogers
April 21, 2025
Tricia was a treasure. A beautiful woman who was also intelligent, witty, and had spectacular style. We had some really great times. Heaven got a great one.
Kelli Baquero
April 21, 2025
So beautiful...So loved...So missed
Genevieve Dombrowski
April 21, 2025
Our team at LKQ is devastated by the loss of such an amazing person. She was the absolute best and felt like part of our team. I appreciate all the time she spent with me and her relentless support of our team members. The world will not be the same. Deepest sympathies to all of her family, friends and co-workers.
james Hennessy Jr.
April 21, 2025
There are no words to describe what a wonderful daughter, wife, and friend that Tricia was. I have such happy and joyful memories of her growing up, and I loved following all her travels through social media. She will be dearly missed on earth, and I pray for Mary Kay, John, Liz and especially Russ, that God will bestow his power to help them and their loved one´s, through these difficult times.
Mary Anne Klein
April 20, 2025
Mary Anne Klein
Sue Wenzel
April 20, 2025
She is free now God bless her.
Ky Barker
April 20, 2025
I'm going to miss you so much!
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Tricia Hennessy's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Tricia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tricia Hennessy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
