Shomu Mukherjee died at the age of 61.
Kathryn `` Kathy '' O'Rourke Parker is a children 's educational television producer and writer , best known for being co-creator of the popular children 's show Barney & Friends with Sheryl Leach and Dennis DeShazer .. Barney & Friends. Barney & Friends. Sheryl Leach. Sheryl Leach. Kathy received her B.S. in Special Education in 1976 and an M.A. in Learning Disabilities in 1979 , both from Eastern Michigan University .. She taught in the field of special education in Michigan from 1976 to 1981 , before moving to the state of Texas .. From 1981 to 1987 she worked at DLM , Inc. of Allen , Texas marketing early childhood educational products and materials .. Then , in 1987 , personal friends Parker and Leach began working together on the idea that would become Barney & Friends .. Barney & Friends. Barney & Friends