Obituary of Theressa LaFontaine

Theressa Barker LaFontaine passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 100. Theressa loved to travel despite hating to drive and fly. Together, she and Oscar visited all 50 States and several foreign countries, including Scotland, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Theressa enjoyed card games like Duplicate Bridge, Gin Rummy, and any game her large family could enjoy together. She was an active gardener, walker, reader, and crossword puzzle enthusiast. Theressa believed in keeping her mind and body active, even after her 100th birthday. She enjoyed watching game shows and never missed an episode of Jeopardy. Theressa dedicated over 20 years to the Kentucky State Labor Department before retiring, and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Theressa was born on October 2, 1924, to Sterling and Clara Barker in Stamping Ground, Kentucky, Scott County. She was the oldest of six siblings including Bobby Barker (Betty), Josie Moore (David), Bette McKinney (Chester), Carolyn Cox (Wade & Raymond), and Sterling, Jr. "Sonny" Barker (Charlotte and Sue). She married Oscar LaFontaine on August 3, 1946, and together they raised three children, Tessa Buquid (Honorio), Terry LaFontaine (Linda), and Timothy LaFontaine. Theressa had four grandchildren: Jude Buquid (Maggie), Sarah Jordan (James), Jenny LaFontaine, and Teri Aydt (Jon), and four great-grandchildren: Wyatt Buquid, Sophia Buquid, Patrick Aydt, and Amelia Jordan. Theressa is predeceased by Oscar, her parents, her youngest child, Timothy, Bobby Barker, Josie McKinney, and Sonny Barker. Theressa lived in Kentucky all of her life and is survived by her sisters Bette and Carolyn, her children Tessa and Terry, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A service in Theressa’s honor will be held at Good Shepherd Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. After the service, Theressa will be interred at the Frankfort Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice) or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.