Barbara Loonam, 73, of Gloucester, quietly passed away at home surrounded by her family on March 31, 2011 after a long battle with colon cancer; born in Hasty, Ark., raised in Hollywood and San Diego, Cal.

Barbara traveled and lived all over the world with her family during her husband’s 30-year Navy career before settling down in Gloucester, 29 years ago.

Barbara was a full-time homemaker until her seven children left home when she then worked in home healthcare and as a seamstress at Colonial Williamsburg costume shop.  She was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 75 in Gloucester.

Barbara, daughter of the late Garland and Tabitha Morris, was a devoted wife, mother to all, and fighter until the end.

Survived by her husband of 57 years, John Loonam; sons, Mike (Greenville, S.C.), John Jr. (Beaufort, N.C.), Larry (Greenville, N.C.), Greg (Front Royal, Va.); daughters, Kathy Sillery (Williamsburg, Va.), Diane Parker (Newport News, Va.), and Sandy Loonam (Gloucester Point, Va.); brothers, Harold Morris (Viola, Kan.), Denny Johnson (Ridgely, Tenn.); sisters, Bonnie Gerlach (Viola, Kan.), Pat Maher (San Antonio, Texas), Gheri McDonald (Charlotte, N.C.); 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and many extended family and friends. 

The family received friends at Andrews Funeral Home, 7192 Main Street, Gloucester, between 3-5 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2011, as well as April 4, 2011, from 10-10:45 a.m. before the service.

Celebration of Life service was held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 6262 Main Street at 11 a.m. Theresians provided a reception following the service. Arlington National Cemetery internment services will be announced at a later date.

Gifts in her memory may be sent to St. Therese Parish Growth Fund.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.