Barbara Ann "Bhakti" Fiori

Barbara Ann Fiori, 77, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital. Barbara was also known to many as Bhakti, a name she chose for herself that means devoted one.

She was born in Port Chester, New York, to Joseph and Pasqualena Bellatoni on Oct. 14, 1947.

Bhakti graduated from Port Chester High School; she earned a degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Colorado Denver. She was the controller and head of human resources for Brand Activate, where she worked alongside her daughter and her dear friend Tara Barrick. Bhakti loved cheering for her grandsons (loudly) at every game, no matter the sport. She was an avid reader and a regular at the Elkhart Public Library. She loved spending time outdoors, hiking, walking her dog Crash, and kayaking. Most of all Bhakti loved people, she had never met a stranger and always left a friend.

Bhakti is survived by her daughter Triniti Gawthrop, her son-in-law Rod Gawthrop and her grandchildren Michael Vinokur, Brecken Gawthrop, Brady Gawthrop and her dog "Crash." Bhakti was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Pasqualena Bellatoni, and her son Edward Michael Thompson.

In keeping with Barb's wishes, her family and friends will gather from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, to celebrate her life at Elcona Country Club, 56784 C.R. 21, Bristol, IN 46507.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514, is assisting her family.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. 2nd St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.stemmlawson peterson.com.