Obituary of Patricia Ann Sullivan Barker

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Patricia (Pat, Patti) Barker (Née Sullivan) on June 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, following a brief illness. Patti was a caring, kind and funny person with a love of life, family, and friends. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives.

Patti was born in Stephenville, NF on August 2, 1948, to parents James Joseph Sullivan and Loretta Mary Sullivan (Née Whelan). Following a family move to Halifax, Patti attended St. Agnes Junior High and St. Patrick’s High School. In the early 70s in Toronto, Patti began her career in the hospitality industry, as a bartender and manager. She was outgoing and had a quick wit that always drew people to her, with her beautiful long auburn hair, and a smile at the ready for those she met. Returning to Halifax, she was well known for her various jobs, from managing Teddys in the Barrington Hotel, catering with the World Trade and Convention Center, and finally retiring from the Citadel Inn in 2011.  

In 1990, Pat married John Barker, the love of her life, and a man who made her Irish eyes sparkle. They loved the same music, mostly oldies, and they danced together perfectly in step from the first note to the last. She and John loved to spend time with family and friends. Patti loved kitchen parties (with John playing the spoons), a singsong around a piano, and family dinner gatherings, where her caesar salad was always requested. There was always a bridge game to be played or a Yahtzee challenge to be had. In recent years, she loved long walks with her friend, Michelle, and outings with Gaye.

Patti was always up to date on what was happening in the world around her. She was interested in, and had a strong opinion on, just about any subject, and really enjoyed knowing the statistics. A woman who did not suffer fools lightly, she was unwaveringly kind and generous with those lucky enough to find themselves in her orbit. 

Patti was a much-beloved member of our family, and her passing leaves a hole that is hard to put into words and impossible to fill. She will be missed by all who knew her. 

Patti was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John, and her brother, Ken. She is survived by her siblings, Connie (Jim), Anita (Roger), Jim (Josee), Barbara (Laird), Mike (Shirley), Tom; niece, Pam (Gregor); godchild, Jennifer (Roy); stepchildren, Bonnie-Lyn (Andi), Brad (Caroline), Kerri, Alexis and Brenden, as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Our family would like to thank the very kind staff at the QEII hospital and ask that any donations in Patti’s name be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date.