Kathleen (McCabe) Barker

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister;

Kathleen “Kathy” (McCabe) Barker  70, of Pelham, NH, passed away on Friday, May 6th after a brave and courageous journey with lung cancer.  Kathy passed away peacefully with her family by her side.  She was born on September 3rd, 1951, to late Eugene and the late Alice (Clemons) McCabe in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, she was a Coal Miners daughter!

Kathy worked hard raising 2 children earning her High School Diploma and completing several courses to become a CNC machine operator.  Kathy faced her life’s challenges with grit, resilience, a positive outlook, humor and a strength that is her legacy to her adoring family.  She NEVER gave up! 

She went on in life to later serve the Manchester, NH community easing the burden of her many clients navigating the unemployment system.  Her empathy, compassion, kindness and caring knew no limits!  She was zany, funny and loved to laugh and have a good time, even while undergoing treatment for lung cancer.  She called her trips to Dana-Farber her “Thelma and Louise day.”

Family was everything to Kathy.  In, 1985 she married Richard Barker, the love of her life with whom she enjoyed 40 wonderful years.  She is also survived by her daughter Shannon Sprague and son-in-law Nathan Sprague, her son Charles Turcotte, granddaughters Grace and Gwyn Sprague and grandson Brandon Turcotte.

In her spare time, Kathy loved the beach!  She couldn’t get enough of the ocean.  She also served many communities in need including the missions of The First Congregational Church of Pelham and the VFW in Pelham.  She was passionate about helping others, often putting them first!

Kathy was predeceased by her brothers Eugene and John McCabe, her niece Patty McCabe and both of her parents Alice and Eugene McCabe.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 22nd at 2:00 PM at The First Congregational Church of Pelham, 3 Main Street, Pelham, NH.  E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The First Congregational Church of Pelham – Fund A Family mission that helps to strengthen individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Assistance provided by the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME – PELHAM – NH – (603) 635-3333.

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