Barbara M. Bannon

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Barbara M. Bannon

January 3, 1939 ~ October 11, 2018

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 Sheep Dog.

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 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 and continued until her death. 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 and 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 regularly attended services at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic 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.

A funeral Mass was celebrated October 19, 2018 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center.

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.