Barnes, Valerie Lynn

Valerie Lynn Barnes, 52, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at Briarwood Care Center from complications of multiple sclerosis. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at St. Wenceslaus Church, with Father Robert Striegel officiating. The family will greet friends after 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, and a time of fellowship will follow mass. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Briarwood Care Center.

Valerie was born March 28, 1960, in Fairfield, Iowa, the daughter of Benjamin and Patricia Richardson Barnes. She attended West High School and graduated from Metro High School in Cedar Rapids. Valerie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 19. She moved to San Francisco, where she attended college and worked at the Great American Music Hall. Valerie returned to Iowa City in 1987 and had been employed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, ACT and the Goodwill store.

Valerie lived her life to the fullest and accepted people for who they were. She was an accomplished pianist, seamstress and had a deep and abiding faith.

Survivors include her mother, Patricia Peyton of Iowa City; two brothers, Ben (Robyn) Barnes of Houston and Paul (Bridgette) Barnes of Coto de Caza, Calif.; and nieces, nephews and numerous friends, especially those at Briarwood Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her father, and brothers, Bill and Michael.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensing

funeral.com

Published Oct. 19, 2012 in The Gazette