Pamela “Sparky” Kim Barker, 52, died at her home in Vero Beach on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. Surrounded by her loving family, she entered into God’s eternal care after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on July 1, 1958, in Point Pleasant, N.J., and graduated from Monmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach. Pam was a violinist whose passion for music is apparent in her son’s love for music.
Her support and guidance has been a driving force behind his musical abilities. Pam was the inspiration for the development and creation of the Stringsations String Quartet, which allows young musicians to improve their musical abilities and share their music as much as possible.
She loved animals and nurtured numerous pets throughout her life.
Pam enjoyed swing and salsa dancing and doing anything outdoors with her family, including going to the beach, swimming, hiking, bicycling, and riding her Buddy motor scooter.
After her diagnosis, she learned to play golf and competed in her first triathlon.
Pam’s skill, caring, and compassion made her greatly loved by the many clients who experienced her kindness and grace. She fell in love with the charm, character, and history of Vero Beach, and of McAnsh Park in particular, and dedicated herself to making her neighborhood a welcoming and safe place to live.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr. Kurt Jaeckle, his staff, and the other medical professionals at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville who helped and loved Pam so much. Her family also wishes to give warm thanks for the physical, medical, and emotional care provided by the VNA Hospice staff, which treated her with respect, love, and dignity.
The family extends a special thank-you to her dear friend Lin Reading for her friendship, care and support.
Survivors include her husband, Doug; son, Alec; stepdaughter, Brittany; parents, Adele and Douglas Fisher; sister, Judith Lynn Duffy; extended family of nephews and cousins; dozens of friends and neighbors who felt blessed to know her; and her loyal dog and companion Jester.
Pam touched the lives of countless people with her vitality, warm smile, big blue eyes, compassion for others, and ability to see the good in every soul she met.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, 2206 16th Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Indian River County VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 and/or the Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php.
