Memorial planned Sunday for Arbor Heights teacher Lynn Barnicle

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Family, friends and the Arbor Heights Elementary School community are mourning teacher Lynn Barnicle, who has lost her fight with leukemia. Read on for the invitation to a community memorial:

Thanks to the friends and school community members who have forwarded information including this:

The memorial for Ms. Barnicle is this Sunday, 11 am-5 pm at Camp Long. According to the invitation, “there will be a potluck, and casual attire is welcome. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments.”

Her courageous fight against leukemia, which finally claimed her life last weekend, is chronicled on this website – including posts with well-wishes from students and others at the school, even video clips.

She was working at the school up till the last day of the session June 22, according to this post on her website, and she resumed treatment the day after. According to an earlier post on the site, she had begun treatment in November of last year. Ms. Barnicle was 50 years old and the mother of two. This post on the Arbor Heights PTSA website has information on where to send condolence cards. (It also mentions a memorial at school, for the students, is expected to be held in the fall.)

Jerald July 29, 2009 (4:22 pm)

This is such a tragedy. I’ve never known a kinder soul. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her, even briefly.

Carol Viger July 29, 2009 (4:29 pm)

I am so profoundly saddened by this news. To me Lynn was a Mom’s mom, a Woman’s Woman. I was always amazed by her vitality and I always have wanted to be like her since I met her many years ago. She truly made this world a better place and I feel so fortunate to have had the experience of knowing her, and so sad that I didn’t have more opportunity. She lifted us up and taught us all. My prayers are with her family and loved ones, today and in the difficult time ahead, you are remembered.

miws July 29, 2009 (5:33 pm)

Condolences to all who knew and loved Ms Barnicle.

Mike

Anna George July 29, 2009 (6:18 pm)

Lynn Barnicle was an amazing women, teacher, mom and friend. She was a light in this community and touched so many lives. My family is heartbroken over her loss. She was both of my son’s favorite teacher. She had a wonderful gift of making every student and every person, feel they were special and that they had incredible potential. When she came back to school in May, I asked my son how he liked having Ms. Barnicle back, and he said “She makes me want to be a better person”. We will miss her and be forever changed for having known her.

pam July 29, 2009 (7:04 pm)

My heart is broken though I am trying to find solace in knowing how our lives were blessed by her existence. Lynn was a true woman of substance who above all else loved her sons.

GAL July 29, 2009 (7:39 pm)

Lynn was such a lovely person. The world is somewhat dimmer having lost her.

cindy lingel July 29, 2009 (8:29 pm)

What a bright light has been extinguished! Lynn exemplified kindness, passion, intelligence, and a love of life. She will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to her loved ones — especially Danny and Colin.

Danielle July 29, 2009 (10:23 pm)

Ms.Barnicle was my teacher last year and I will forever miss her and never forget her. She made such a difference in my life and my family’s. I know she’s in a good place though. She truly, was a wonderful and kind person.

-Danielle.

Diana garcia July 29, 2009 (10:47 pm)

I sat or stood with Lynn for a number of years while our sons played soccer in the West Seattle Soccer League. And, when she decided to get her teaching degree and look for a job, she came to the school where I was principal to look around. I wanted her to apply for a teaching position in my school becuase she exemplified the type of teacher I wanted for our students. The teachers that met Lynn were so impressed with her that they encouraged me to hire her which I would have done in a heartbeat. However, Lynn wanted to work closer to home so she could be available to her boys, Colin and Danny. She chose to accept a job at Arbor Heights School, in her neighborhood.

Lynn was strong, caring, thoughtful and honest. I cannot believe she is gone.

Diana

cmc July 30, 2009 (7:15 am)

Did Ms. Barnicle teach at a HIghline School for a year or 2 somewhere between 2001-2004?

Mark Nielsen July 30, 2009 (9:11 am)

I remember meeting Lynn Barnicle for the first time at a open house at Arbor Heights. She was my daughter Danielle’s 5th grade teacher. I’ll never forget that night and how Lynn so eloquently explained to all the parents (and kids) the importance of recognizing and celebrating each child’s special gifts. Gifts and talents that never would show up on a WASL test. I was so impressed that night with her confidence and pride in her class. My second fond memory of Lynn was at the 5th grade graduation ceremony where she introduced each of her students and smiled so fondly and brightly at each and every one of them as they came up to receive their diploma. You would have thought every one of those kid’s were her own. And in the end, they were. Thank you Lynn for making Danielle’s life so much brighter. And thank you for the incredible dedication and example you set for not only Danielle but every child that ever had the privilege of knowing you.

May your soul rest in peace.

Mark Nielsen

Deborah Rosen July 30, 2009 (11:29 am)

My heart goes out to Lynn’s family at this sad time. I was elated to reconnect with Lynn at Summer School last summer. She was always an incredible teacher, whether in the water or at school. Lynn touched so many lives in such a positive way, she will be truly missed.

Jake George July 30, 2009 (3:52 pm)

Ms.Barnicle was my favorite teacher in the worldshe taught me so much i know shes in a better place now and she will always have a special place in my heart bye Ms.Barnicle

Debbie July 31, 2009 (9:23 am)

To CMC, Lynn did teach for a year at an elementary in the Highline District.

Leeta July 31, 2009 (11:29 am)

My thoughts and condolences are with Lynn’s family. She was a remarkable woman who taught through example and love. She will be greatly missed.

Marion August 1, 2009 (9:48 pm)

I knew Lynn from many perspectives: (YMCA 5am- boys T-ball, YMCA Ftly, via Mindi, walking, east-coast conection) when I saw her at the Thriftwat last December she looked as UP as ALWAYS! I had no idea what was going on with her until she told me. This past month I was in upper NY State- across from Middlebury, VT and she was all I could think of.
There are no words or sentiments that can express the total vibrancy she emmanated at all times – even in December at the Thriftway. Witt the new ring on her finger she was going to GET THERE!
My love to all her family, friends, kids, colleagues, pets and espeially Colin and Danny.
No one could ever match her beauty – inside and out.

Alicia Finney August 3, 2009 (10:54 pm)

fifth grade was one of the best things things that happened in my life because of Ms.Barnicle. She had a special connection with all the students. I could talk about what I needed help in and knew that she was listening and in every way possible tried to explain something that would make sense. I will miss her SO much. She will most definitely have a place in my heart. She was a great mentor to students and I wish everyone could be her student

Ann Graham August 5, 2009 (6:26 pm)

I ran into Lynn at Westwood last summer and she and I talked about carpooling up to WWU to have lunch with our boys. She was so proud of her boys and so full of life and optimism. Every time I had a conversation with her, I always walked away feeling inspired about life, in general.What a special gift she had. I’m so sorry for you loss.

Cynthia Barrientos August 15, 2009 (8:58 pm)

One August afternoon in 2002, our son received a cheerful postcard from his new teacher, welcoming him into 4th grade. This simple, yet powerful gesture of personalization was one of the many touches that made this year a special one. On the first day of school he came home, full of smiles and enthusiasm.”Ms. Barnicle is so cool, Mom. She really understands kids and knows how to talk to us.” In addition to seeing her students excel academically, Lynn created an atmosphere of a genuine loving community that has lasted to this day for the students in that class. In the Spring of the same year, Lynn offered love and support to our son through the passing of his grandfather. Ms. Barnicle continues to hold the position of “Best Teacher Yet!”I imagine many of you have countless examples of Ms. Barnicle’s amazing presence in our lives. Loving thoughts and prayers to her friends and family during this time of remembering her.

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