Obituary of Ann Barnes Hockersmith

Ann Barnes Hockersmith, 83, of State College, died Friday, January 14, 2022, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born March 1, 1938, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Esther Brittain Fry, II. On July 6, 1958, she married Geoffrey Barnes, who preceded her in death on April 17, 1999. On February 19, 2009, she married Wayne "Butch" Hockersmith, who also preceded her in death on August 15, 2012.

She is survived by her four children, Scott W. Barnes and his wife, Alexandra, of Scottsdale, AZ, Andrew W. Barnes and his wife, Dolores, of Rockville, MD, David W. Barnes and his wife, Anna, of Cincinnati, OH and Liz Barnes of State College; as well and seven grandchildren. In addition to her parents and spouses, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Jefferson Fry, III, on May 5, 2020.

Ann was a graduate of the Abington Friends School in Jenkintown, PA and Colby Jr College, NH.

Prior to moving to State College in August of 1978, Ann was an active volunteer in Blue Bell, PA, supporting Meals on Wheels and the Philadelphia Art Museum children's program, "Art Goes to School. In addition, she volunteered in all four of her children's elementary schools. Upon moving to State College, she volunteered for Centre County PAWS, Mount Nittany Medical Center and the Palmer Art Museum.

As Mrs. Barnes she is best known by many as the Cool Office Lady at State College Area High School where she worked for many years helping a generation of State College students navigate their way through the challenges of everyday school life. She worked closely with the Work Experience students and had a particular fondness for the Special Education students who she enjoyed seeing years later out working in the community.

Ann was a member of St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Blue Bell, PA, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and St. Alban's Anglican Church of State College.

Ann was a natural nurturer; her children, dogs, cats and plants all were healthy and robust under her loving care. She shared this gift with others as a welcoming host of 60's cocktail parties, '70s leaf raking parties, '80s football tailgates and as the local "Penn State Mom" to many of her children's friends and friend's children. They got a good helping of amazingly delicious food, funny and (mostly accurate) family stories as well as the comfort that there was someone close by they could call on if ever in need. There are so many small acts of kindness and charity that Ann initiated without a second thought and she is remembered well by many for them.

When not taking care of or entertaining others, Ann enjoyed a membership at Centre Hills Country Club where she golfed, played tennis and most importantly joined the "ladies on the hill" at the pool almost daily in the summers to talk about life, family and Penn State football.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In recognition of Ann's lifelong love for animals, Memorial Contributions may be made to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Rd, State College PA 16801 (https://www.centrecountypaws.org/donate) or your favorite animal rescue shelter.