Patricia “Pat” J. (Cobren) Barry, 89, from West Chester, Ohio, and formerly of Gas City, was surrounded by family when she passed away peacefully on Friday, May 18, 2018. Pat was born in Bluffs, Illinois, on April 5, 1929, to Raymond “Dutch” and Dorothy (Doolin) Cobren, and was the oldest of five children: Jacky Jensen, Jonesboro, Ronald Cobren (deceased), Raymond Cobren (deceased), and Brenda Hughes (deceased).
Her talent as an artist was recognized early as a student and graduate of Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, Illinois. She met the love of her life, her husband of 60 years, Erwin J. Barry, while visiting her sister in New Hampshire. “Barry” was a Radio Man for the Navy. They met in 1950 and were married the following year. Together they raised five children: Jacky Hodupp (deceased), Laura (Pete) Pannier, David (Jamie) Barry (deceased), Roger Barry, and Liz (Ron) Gabrick.
After several moves in support of Barry’s position with the Red Cross, the family settled in Gas City. Outside of raising her family, Pat worked as a draftsman at Singer’s and in the advertising departments of the Sears & K-Mart corporations, volunteered at the VA Medical Center and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #10, serving at one point as president. In addition, they were members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gas City. Pat also cultivated her talent for painting and enjoyed hosting card parties, holiday gatherings, and summer barbeques with family and friends.
Once grandchildren arrived on the scene, she took great pleasure in spending time with them which includes: Jason (Beth) Hodupp, Jeff (Marjorie) Hodupp, Andy Pannier, Emily Pannier, Cody Baker, Caly Barry, and Brooke Stephens. She was a loving, kind, and compassionate grandmother and introduced them to many of her favorite activities like painting and drawing, playing cards, bingo, and, when old enough, the slot machines! “Always bet the max,” she said. When health issues began to crop up, she and Barry (deceased in 2012) moved to Chesterwood Village, West Chester, Ohio, to be near Liz and Laura. Together with her son, Roger, Pat was comforted by the care they provided with love and compassion.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City. A Rosary service will begin at 6:30 p.m..
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 325 E. N. A St., Gas City. Entombment will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to VA Northern Indiana Healthcare Systems, (135) 1700 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.