Valerie Barrs-O’Mara of West Seattle died on January 26 at the age of 66. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side, after a nearly six-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
She was born on December 17, 1957, to George and Margaret Barrs, in Rockford, Illinois. She was raised by her mother, along with her two siblings, Kathy and Casey. She graduated from Livingston High School. Her exuberance (in high school plays and on the field with the Lancerettes) and compassion (as a Candy Striper and camp counselor) emerged in those years. She attended Drew University, where she met her husband-to-be Michael.
She was a PA in cardiothoracic surgery for nearly 40 years, with the bulk of her career at Seattle’s
Overlake Medical Center. Her career was a true joy in her life. Valerie was a natural leader. She organized countless events for her children’s schools including Halloween carnivals, field days, auctions, and fundraising.
On March 9, 2018, Valerie was diagnosed with ALS. Yet she maintained her positive attitude and love of life. She and her “Team Badass” raised thousands of dollars for Walk to Defeat ALS. She served as a board member at the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Association. In 2020, Valerie threw out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners’ First Annual Lou Gehrig Day.
It is hard to sum up who she was because she was such a force of nature. She meant so much to so many. She was thoughtful, smart, generous, optimistic, and nonjudgmental. She was quick to smile and had a great laugh.
She is survived by her husband Michael, her children John (Kelly), Caitlin (Dale), and Keegan; her grandchildren Tilly and Hugh; her sister Kathy (Tony); her brother Casey (Elizabeth); her half-siblings Lance (Kathy) and Kerry; as well as her cousins, aunt, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life on February 24 at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle at 1 p.m. We also plan to celebrate her in Pennsylvania in the Spring.
Memorial donations may be made in Valerie’s honor at either: ALS CURE Project: alscure.org/ donate or The ALS Association: 19717 62nd Ave. S., Suite D101, Kent, WA, 98032.
