McGUIRE, Barbara M. - Barbara Margaret McGuire went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 23, 2006. She was born to James G. and Helena M. McGuire on July 18, 1944 at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She loved learning and academics and was valedictorian at both her 8th grade and 12th grade graduations. Barbara was active in school as secretary of the class, served as literary and news editor of the high school paper, won the state-wide Betty Crocker Better-Homemaker award and three medals for proficiency in English, Social Studies, and in all Academics. Her valedictory speech was entitled "I Speak for Ethical Character." Barbara then went to Kutztown State College for one year but transferred to Hartford Airline Personnel School in Connecticut where she graduated with top honors and went to work for Bohl Travel Agency in New York as private secretary dealing with corporate accounts. After a serious illness, Barbara went to work as a child care aide helping nurses with severely disabled adults and children at the White Haven Center in Pennsylvania. In 1975 she moved to Coeur d'Alene with her two sons and parents, where she has lived since then. Barbara then graduated from North Idaho College's vocational program as a secretary and went to work for NIC under the Dean of Students helping students with receiving Financial Aid and processing Work Study payroll and insurance claims for four years and also taught Sunday School Classes at St. Pius church. She then had a relapse with her health and became disabled from full time employment, but was able to help out cleaning the church a few hours a week. Barbara was a member of the Catholic Daughters and her home church was St. Thomas. She loved Jesus with all her heart and would pray everyday. Barbara had a great love for reading and was known to read a book a night for most of her life, mainly mysteries, classics and poetry. She loved to collect stuffed animals and when her collection would become too big she would donate most of them to Birthright for the newborn babies. She enjoyed driving around and enjoying nature with her family and especially sunsets and picnics. Barbara is predeceased by her parents, James and Helena McGuire, and her brother, James G. McGuire, Jr. Surviving are her two sons, Joseph John and Michael Gerard both of Coeur d'Alene; her nephews, Michael and Sam; and nieces, Kathleen and Patricia. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 28, 11 AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 Indiana, Coeur d'Alene, ID. Viewing will be Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Coeur d'Alene Chapel. ENGLISH FUNERAL CHAPEL, COEUR D'ALENE, ID, is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Barbara's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. Jan 26, 2006 Spokesman-Review