Barbara M. Bannon

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Barbara M. Bannon, 79, of Salt Lake City, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2018, surrounded by her dear family and friends.

Barbara was born January 3, 1939, in Stamford, Connecticut.  She was the loving daughter of the late Agnes Hurley and Dr. Frederick Bannon and devoted older sister to Michael (Susan) of Bartlett, New Hampshire  and mother to her pride and joy, Maisey, THE Australian shepherd.

Barbara graduated from Trinity University in 1960, with a degree in English.  Following undergraduate work, she attended Catholic University in Washington D.C., graduating with a master’s degree in speech and drama. She also received a teaching certification from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Upon arriving in Salt Lake City in 1968, Barbara worked for The Alta Lodge as the bookkeeper. In 1977, she worked for Utah Holiday Magazine as managing editor. 

Her career in film, theater and writing began from the moment she arrived in Salt Lake City until the present. Her professional career was varied and lengthy. It included many years as the editor of the film guide and catalog at Sundance, theater critic writing regularly for the Salt Lake Tribune, owner of Hither and Yon; Book Editing Service, secretary for The American Theater Critics Association, freelance editor for Peregrine Smith Books. Barbara also taught punctuation and grammar, editing and proofing at the University of Utah.

Barbara was a devout Catholic and attended regularly, St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center.  Her voice resonated throughout the church every Sunday, as she was a member of the choir, singing alto.

One of her most significant accomplishments was becoming a lay Dominican. The life of a Dominican layperson is all about having a passion for the word of God.  It is about committing oneself to a community of like-minded brothers and sisters that immerse themselves in the word of God. 

Barbara touched the hearts of her family, her countless friends, students, and associates.  She will be deeply missed.

Services will be held October 19, 2018 beginning with a rosary at 6 p.m., Mass at 6:30 p.m. and a Celebration of Life to follow at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center, 170 University St.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center or your local theater by purchasing a ticket in Barb’s memory.