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Tricia Hennessy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 20, 2025.

Tricia Hennessy Barker

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.

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Recent Activity

June 17, 2025

Lorna Dewey posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2025

Billy Hennessy posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2025

Linda Schwank posted to the memorial.

27 Entries

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.

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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

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.