Maureen Andrews Barker

Maureen Andrews Barker (nee May) entered into heaven on August 26, 2018, after a short fight with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and friends, and passed peacefully.

Maureen ("Auntie Mo" to those who knew her) was born on March 22, 1948 in Monroe, Michigan to Hye and Dorothy May. The family relocated to Reseda in 1954. She graduated from Monroe High School in the San Fernando Valley. She was a true "Valley girl" at heart. Following high school, she joined Western Airlines as a stewardess. She loved her years traveling the skies with Western and made many lifelong friends.

Fun-loving, spirited, generous, and big-hearted are just a few words to describe Auntie Mo. She constantly went above and beyond to do acts of kindness for everyone, and made all feel welcome, special, and included. Her love of slot machines, decorating and shopping kept her very busy.

She was married to the love of her life, Mitch Barker. During their 14 years of marriage, they enjoyed countless adventures. They took many trips to Texas, especially going to Texas A&M (Mitch's alma mater) football games. Mitch, a native of Texas, was able to turn Maureen into an honorary Texan and an Aggie. In addition to Aggie games, she enjoyed rooting for her beloved Rams and Dodgers, where she attended many games over the years. Maureen and Mitch shared a home away from home in Rancho Mirage where she thoroughly enjoyed the Easter tradition of egg hunts, visit by the Easter bunny and her beautiful Easter brunch. Most of all, her happiest of times were spent with her family and friends, especially during Christmas.

Maureen was extremely dedicated to and passionate about her family. Her two sons, Scott and Michael, were her pride and joy and she could never stop talking about them. That was only replaced by her grandchildren. In the last 11 years, she became the ultimate grandma or "Grandmo" as she preferred. She enjoyed doing everything and anything for her eight grandchildren and spoiled them like only a "Grandmo" can.

Maureen also became the mother to Mitch's three daughters, Emily, Sarah and Amanda. The girls added a dynamic Maureen cherished and that only three daughters could provide.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mitch Barker; two sons from a prior marriage, Scott Andrews and his wife Cari, children Matt and Gigi; Michael Andrews and his wife Anna, children Theo and Zane. She is also survived by three step-daughters: Emily Dumitrescu and her husband Constantine, children Charles and Jackson; Sarah Schuler and her husband Gustavo, children Cooper and Victoria; and Amanda Barker. She also is survived by her sister Pam and her husband Bill Harris, in addition to many nephews, nieces and cousins who not only were family, but also close friends. She was especially close to her niece Vicki Bleeker and cousin Victor Auerbach.

She was preceded in death by her parents whom she adored in addition to her brother, Ross Payne, and his wife Barbara.

The family had a private cryptside service but a larger celebration of life will take place in the future on a date to be announced. As Maureen would want, it will be an exceptional party with all her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by mail to the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, attn: Cheryl Sannes with "In Memory of Maureen Barker" in the memo field. A City of Hope fundraising page has also been set up in Maureen's name, https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/Maureen. All donations go to support Dr. Ravi Salgia and his lung cancer mission. The family would like to say a special thank you to all the people who cared for her during her final month, especially the staff at Hoag Hospital.