Biography: Linda lsenman Barry, age 76, passed away August 5^th, 2021, after a courageous struggle with Parkinson's
Disease. She was the wife of Frank X. Barry, who she married on October 18, 1969, at the Cathedral of St
Andrew.
 
Born in Little Rock on March 3, 1945, Linda was the youngest of 3 daughters of Texas Roemer
lsenman and Frank J. lsenman. Growing up in Little Rock she attended Mount St. Mary Academy and
graduated in 1963, serving as president of the junior class and senior prom chairman. The
friendships she made there remained strong throughout her life. After her freshman year of college at
the U of A in Fayetteville, she embarked on a grand adventure attending The University of the Seven
Seas, and embraced the culture of foreign countries for a semester that would be the basis for stories
Linda would share with humor and laughter, entertaining friends, and family. Graduating
from Little Rock University in 1967 with a marketing degree, she was a member of
Chi Omega sorority, elected president as a sophomore. The Linda lsenman Award was
established as a scholarship in her honor, awarded to a deserving member of Chi Omega.
 
Linda moved to Phoenix after graduation and worked as a travel agent for several years. It was there
that she met Frank, the love of her life, and after marriage and the birth of their twins they relocated to
Texas, survived a severe tornado and destruction of their home, and eventually found their way back to
Little Rock. She enjoyed a 20-year career in real estate with McKay and Company, excelling in helping
countless clients find their homes.
 
Her Catholic faith was foremost in her life. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and she
and Frank were active in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.  A member of the
Junior League of Austin, Texas, and the Junior League of Little Rock, she also sang with a choral group
called the Happiness Singers, entertaining in nursing and retirement homes.  She worked for
years delivering lunch for Meals on Wheels and in the last few years as Parkinson's
progressed she was assisted by her daughter, Elizabeth. She played bridge for many
years with her dear friends who dubbed their group The Eternal Tallies. She enjoyed
her membership in her neighborhood River Ridge Garden Club.
 
While dealing with Parkinson’s she made close friends in her yoga group. Linda set high standards for entertaining and evenings at her home were always special. Loving to have a laugh, she once impressed her guests with juggling and yodeling-at the same time! She enjoyed a good book, good wine, crossword puzzles, cooking, and travel especially to Europe, Flagstaff, AZ, and the beach with her family.
 
Linda was a special wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; a gracious and
lovely woman. She will be missed.
 
Linda was predeceased by her parents, Texas and Frank lsenman, and her nephew, Steven
Dumas. She is survived by her husband, Frank Barry; daughter, Elizabeth Barry Cook of Little Rock; son,
Chuck Barry of Austin, TX and his fiancé, Tracey Merkle; sisters Margaret Ann Brokate of Little Rock and Helen Dumas of Flagstaff, Arizona; Grandsons Jackson and Trenton Barry, and Charlie and Sam Cook; Nieces Cathy Brokate Kincaid, Tracy Brewster and Pat O’Neal; Nephews Eric, Paul, and Peter Dumas and families. Also remembered is her dear friend, Della Frazier.  Last to be mentioned but always in her heart is Daisy, her beloved terrier.
 
The family wishes to thank the Drs. and medical staff who were so helpful to her in her illness and
especially Dr. Kate McCarthy. Memorials may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation.
Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. preceded by rosary service at 9:30. Interment will be at Christ the King columbarium.   Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com