Norma Barenkamp

Norma Jean Barringer Barenkamp, 73, of Belleville, Ill., died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

She was born Nov. 19, 1936, in Cape Girardeau.

Norma was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville. She was an avid card player and achieved the Life Master Bridge status in 2002.

The cancer that would end her life was first diagnosed in late 2007, but Norma continued to live her life with the same cheerful attitude and spirit that she always displayed. She never complained and remained strong in her faith to the end. Her heart was full of gratitude for the blessings she enjoyed in life and was a great inspiration to those fortunate to be around her.

Her husband of 54 years, Charles J. Barenkamp, passed away March 29, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her father, Vernon C. Barringer Sr.; a brother, Vernon C. Barringer Jr.; and a sister, Judy Goza.

Survivors include her mother, Arlinda E. Huff McElreath; children, Mary Ann (James) Hovis of Swansea, Ill., James (fiancee Connie Lisch) Barenkamp of Shiloh, Ill., John Barenkamp of Belleville, and Jeanne Schumm of Webster Groves, Mo.; a granddaughter, Katie Hovis; five sisters, Sue McMullen, Linda Shirrell, Joyce (Vic) Lanzotti, Beth (Bob) Bauer and Amy (Jim) Stovall.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West in Belleville.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5923 North Belt West in Belleville. The Rev. Jack McEvilly will officiate. Burial will be in Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Southern Illinois, especially to her nurse, Julie Bartels; as well as the 3 South staff at Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion extended during this lengthy illness.

Memorials in Mrs. Barenkamp's memory may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church or to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Online condolences may be made at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.