Doris M. Barkley

Obituary Doris M. Barkley Mom died on Dec. 26, 2009. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born March 3, 1921 in Tacoma to Dan and Mary Browne. She graduated as Salutatorian from St. Leo's High School (Class of '39) and married Virgil O. Barkley that same year. Although her family was her career, she was President of the St. Leo's Grade School Mother's Club as well as active in the Philomethea Mothers' Club at Bellarmine (was a co-chair of the first Bellarmine Crab Feed). Later in life as a parishioner at St. Rita, she was an active member of the Ladies' Sodality. She enjoyed entertaining her grandchildren, crocheting, reading and being the Matriarch of the family's large gatherings. Virgil, her husband of 43 years, preceded her in death. Also preceding her were grandsons Heath Wojtanowicz and Jeremy Berger. She is survived by her brother Francis Browne and children: Steve, Margaret Wojtanowicz (John), Dave, Nancy Jonker (Mike), Thomas M. (Maggie), James (Barb), Robert (Linda Green), Rose Mary Berger (Bill), Judy Nilsen (Mike), and Rita Barkley plus 31 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 10:30 am at St. Rita's Catholic Church with a reception to follow at the church. interment will follow the reception at Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 6:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel in Tacoma. Visitation will be prior to the Rosary from 4pm ?" 6pm at Gaffney Funeral Home. The family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Franciscan Hospice, P.O. Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.