Faye Barron
Submission #1 — Received May 3, 2026 : : Black and white t-shirt, Eden Creek Play
“This is an old t-shirt about 1989 from a play I was in called Eden Creek about women in the 1930’s. We did not get paid , but I did get this cool t-shirt. Also, while I was digging I found these photos of your mom and dad.” Love, Aunt Faye
Faye is my aunt, married to my mom’s younger brother, Bill. She worked in the theater department at the University of Utah, where she encouraged many young actors, sharing her deep love of theater. Her daughter, Tori, shares that passion, earning a BFA in Theatre from the University of Utah, training with Circle in the Square in New York City, and going on to complete her MFA in Theatre from the University of Hawaii. When we were younger, Faye loved playing dress-up and putting on plays with her sister-in-law Jewel’s kids, Melanie and Scott, during their visits from Southern California.
Faye made Christmas magical—I now have a collection of well over 30 ski-themed Christmas tree ornaments thanks to her—she truly knew how to celebrate what you loved. Every year she would bake sugar cookies, and we’d gather at her house to decorate them (my favorite part), followed by her homemade manicotti. She also gave the most extravagant Christmas gifts, always wrapped in those iconic silver Nordstrom boxes. From OP (Ocean Pacific) to Izod, her presents were always my most coveted outfits.
I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Faye. She is a compassionate listener, deeply kind, and someone who truly lives her belief that “happiness is an inside job.” She spoke often with my mom during her final years, especially during a time when my mom and I were struggling with our relationship and communication. Faye listened to her without judgment, and I know she was a tremendous source of support. I will always be grateful for the friendship she gave my mom.
In her later career, Faye became an elementary school art teacher. With no dedicated classroom, she traveled from room to room with her art cart, bringing creativity to students throughout the school. She introduced them to great artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Matisse, creating clever, age-appropriate projects that sparked their imaginations.
Most recently, I had the chance to travel with Faye to Missoula, Montana, for my cousin Jake’s wedding to Amy. While we were there, she and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary from afar—an incredible milestone. During that trip, she shared both the joys and challenges of marriage with me, and I’m so grateful for that time we had to connect.
Truly, the only bad thing I can say about Faye is that she refuses to visit me in New Mexico because of her fear of snakes.
