Mary Lou Barry

Mary Louise Barry, 71, of Anchorage died Friday, March 24, 2017, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. She was born on June 25, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois to William J. Barry and Louise M. Barry. Mary Lou, as she preferred, received an Associate in Arts in English and Journalism from San Diego Mesa Community College and a Bachelor of Arts from Excelsior College, State University of New York. She worked for the State of Alaska for many years, as a journalist for both the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly in Juneau, Alaska, and most recently as a book proofreader for WND Books. She was also an award-winning poet and had three volumes of poems for children published with illustrations by her daughter. Mary Lou was a strong pro-life advocate and was not afraid to speak out for her conservative Christian values. She was both thrilled and proud that all of her grandchildren are homeschooled in Christian homes and that her children and their families are active members of Christian churches. Mary Lou loved her family and few friends loyally and passionately, and encouraged so many with her unwavering faith and trust in her Savior. She is survived by her son Sean (Rachel) Crites and daughter Michelle (Daniel) Sellers as well as by her beloved grandchildren Grace, Phoebe, Samuel, and Anna. She is preceded in death by her parents William J. and Louise M. Barry. A service is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 11600 Elmore Road in Anchorage. Pastor Fred Voss will officiate. Friends and family from afar may attend via live stream at http://www.shepherd-of-the-hills.com/live/. Memorials may be sent to Alaska Right to Life or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church A/V Fund. Stars in My Sky By Mary Lou Barry Some people I've known who were special to me Have been flames on my candles and lights on my tree, And some who were funny and some who were kind Have been fireflies flitting the dark of my mind. Some have been spotlights for deeds they have done, While others were clever and, still others, fun. Some left just a glow as they quickly passed by, But the people I love...they are the stars in my sky.