Lori Alane Barker

Lori Alane Barker (née Young), born April 26,1961, passed away in her home on January 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband and children. She was the cherished wife of Steven Paul and the devoted mother of Steven Andrew and Alexis Anne, all of whom were the center of her world.
Lori lived her life with joy, curiosity, and an open heart. She loved the water and boating, found happiness in traveling around the world, meeting new friends, and delighted in creating beautiful, memorable holidays and vacations for her family. Her warmth, generosity, humor, and ability to bring people together earned her many lifelong friends who will forever feel the imprint of her kindness.
Lori's life was quietly guided by her Catholic faith. She believed wholeheartedly in God's presence and guidance, and she tried every day to live in accordance with His wishes, especially by helping others, offering kindness without hesitation, and treating every person with dignity. She especially believed in the teachings of Jesus. Her faith was a steady source of strength, shaping the way she loved, supported, and showed up for the people around her, especially when someone was in need.
A passionate and accomplished attorney, Lori earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1983 and her law degree, awarded with a scholarship, from Wayne State University Law School in 1986. Over the course of her distinguished career, she served as a partner at Bigler, Berry, Johnson Sztykiel & Hunt; Bigler Barker; Barker Law Group; and Abbott Nicholson.
Lori dedicated her practice to litigation, focusing on the defense of healthcare facilities and providers in medical malpractice actions. Her expertise extended beyond the courtroom. She provided consultation and seminars to physicians, healthcare institutions, and insurance companies on practice management and related issues. She was also a respected national speaker on topics at the intersection of medicine and law.
Lori's professional excellence was widely recognized. Lori was named a Super Lawyer, a DB Top Lawyer, and one of Michigan's Top 50 Woman Lawyers for many years. These honors reflected not only her skill, but her integrity, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to her clients. Lori also served as a panelist on the State Bar of Michigan Discipline Board.
Above all, Lori will be remembered for her love of family and friends. Lori had her priorities exactly where she wanted them. No matter how demanding her work was, she was always there for her husband Steve and their children, Steven and Lexi. Every year, Lori decorated their home for each of the holidays and made her children's Halloween costumes from scratch. Lori never missed a weekend with her family, and she and Steve created wonderful vacations and memories with their children, family and friends. Lori's family and friends were everything to her. Her spirit, her laughter, and her remarkable ability to make every moment meaningful will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Besides her beloved husband and children, Lori is survived by her brothers Mark, Michael (Tina), and Matthew (Marcie); Steve's siblings Richard, Karen (Ted), Gary (Gloria), and Brenda (Stephen); nieces Kelly, Holly, Vicky, Stephanie, Katilin, Nikki, and Sydney; nephews Brian, Steven, Sean, Robert, Michael, and Devin; future daughter in law Celesta; and former sisters in law and dear friends Cathy and Betty. She was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Ruth Young, and her sister Lesa Baker (Jeff).
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 11:30 am with 11:00 am instate at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 715 N. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, followed by a luncheon at Boulder Pointe Golf Club, 1 Champion Drive, Oxford.
Rather than sending flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.bcrf.org/) or Hospice of Michigan (https://www.hom.org/)