Michelle Barker’s Life To be Celebrated July 20

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 13:55

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Michelle Loretta Barker

Michelle Loretta Barker, born May 8, 1972, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully after finishing her morning prayers on July 7.
The trouble with writing about what defined her is that Michelle’s passions and forces of personality were interconnected. Her artistry can’t be separated from her service to Sitka, or her love for her family. Her dedication to her business wasn’t only for the love of it, but because it supported her family and her talents as an artist.
Her love of Sitka and its people was reflected in how she raised her sons to serve their communities. Like the reactions in her kiln, once the essential elements of Michelle combined into the work of art that she was, they can’t be pulled apart and explained. Despite this, the family tried to share some small part of what made her who she was.
Michelle was an artist throughout her life. At 19 she was a published writer for Hallmark, and by 50 she had apprenticed under Lino and was an internationally known Venetian Glass artist with clients traveling from multiple continents to see her work, ask her questions, and have their visions made into reality.  Her presence can still be felt in the Wild Arts Gallery, in every piece of glass fired in her kilns, and in every glass cane that has been or will be pulled by guests and family.
She raised her sons to serve their community, and she taught that by example, such as donating priceless, unique pieces to Alaska Raptor Center charity events, Sheldon Jackson College (for whom she worked for almost a decade), and medical expense fundraisers. Her efforts helped sculpt and shape Sitka. Her businesses all share the foundation of her desire to realize a future for her family and her home.
Michelle’s Tlingit name is Ghagaank’ – meaning “Little Sunshine,” fitting for someone who brought such love and joy to her people. Ghagaank’s Tlingit heritage was a point of pride, and was reflected across her home, in her daily life, in her art, and how she raised her family and treated her community. A proud member of the Kaagwaantaan, she will be deeply missed by all.
Michelle’s was a resting place for many. Her house was a sanctuary, the porch a place to seek wisdom, and the kitchen a place of joy where everyone was welcome.
“Thank you to all those in the community for coming together to celebrate and honor her life during this time,” her family said.
Michelle was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Barker, and her grandparents, Ernie and Delores Barker and Philip and Elsie James of Sitka.
She is survived by her four sons, Caleb Harris, Ryan Harris, Eric DeLaVergne, and Brent Nelson; her daughters-in-law DeVynarae Meeder of Missoula, Montana, and Samantha Schaffer; her grandchildren Willow Faye and Lyric Nelson; her father, Patrick Barker Sr.; siblings Denise and Carl Heckman of Dundee, Oregon, Patrick Jr. and Jay Barker of Sitka, and Melanie Barker of Sitka; and nieces and nephews Matthew, Marisa, Philip, Jayden, and Ellie.
“But everyone knows so many people loved her that there are too many to name,” her family said. “Our inability to do so here by no means diminishes the relationships that helped define her heart.”
A service to celebrate her life will be held 3-6 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Centennial Hall. It will be potluck style with appetizers and finger-foods – her favorite!
“Everyone is welcome to attend,” her family said. “As members of her community, you are all part of our extended family.”

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