Barbara L. Valadez, of LaPorte, passed away Oct. 7, 2006 from a sudden illness at her residence. She was 49.

She was born June 18, 1957 in LaPorte, the daughter of Robert V. and Marjorie F. (Frenier) Bishop. Robert preceded her in death. Marjorie survives in LaPorte.

She is survived by a daughter, Alana M. Valadez of LaPorte; a sister, Karen Noll of LaPorte; two nephews and two nieces and several cousins.

She was also preceded in death by her grandparents.

Barbara was a Kindergarten teacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Chesterton. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. She is a LaPorte High School graduate and an Indiana State University graduate. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Purdue North Central. She tutored Spanish speaking people in English.

A funeral Mass, Rev. Ted Nordquist officiating, will be at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10 and from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesday at Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte.

Memorials may be made to the family to be placed in an education trust for her daughter.

Posted 10/9/2006