Barbara Houlihan Riesenman, 78, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Barbara was born in Omaha, NE on July 27, 1948. Her family moved to Denver in 1953. She attended Denver Public Schools and graduated in 1966 from East High School. Barbara married Robert Riesenman on September 16, 1972.

Barbara worked at City Corp for 11 years before their son, Paul, was born. She loved being a mom and became very involved in his young life. She never hesitated to lend a helpful hand wherever she was needed. After Paul began his freshman year at Mullen High School she began working as a receptionist at Hercules Industries until her retirement. Some of her favorite activities included water aerobics at the Y and the 'MOB'- Mother of Boys coffee klatch. Barbara loved her travels to Ireland and many of her favorite destinations from Delaware to Santa Fe. Meeting new friends on her travels made her happy. She especially loved exploring the roads of Colorado while visiting her many friends and family. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Eva Houlihan, her brothers Kenley, Jerry and Joseph Houlihan, sisters Patti Derr and Genevieve Houlihan-Sherry. 

She is survived by her husband, Robert, her son Paul, and sisters Rosemary Blecke, Carol Houlihan and Penny Houlihan-Mockoski. She is also survived by her large 'adopted' Riesenman family. John (Charlotte) Riesenman, Jim (Elena) Riesenman, Mary (Dennis) Boyle, Anna Rinaldo, Katie Andersen, Peggy (Tim) Gannon, Jo Cothran, Lucy (David) Rice, Amy (Chris) Simpson, Susie (Dave) Kuehn, and many nieces and nephews. 

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd, on Monday, October 26, at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 2375 E. Arizona Ave. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Rocky Mountain PBS, St. Vincent de Paul Church or Mother of God Church.