“She used the whole box of crayons”

Mary Ann Barkshire age 68, passed away March 12th at her brothers’ home in San Clemente, California with most of the family present celebrating her life.

Maryann was born on November 11, 1954 in Seattle Washington to Mary Frances and Arthur Barkshire. She attended Kennedy High School, received her Bachelor’s degree in Business from the U of W, and a law degree from UPS. She had a great career in law, first at Inslee Best law firm in Bellevue, before opening her own practice as a partner at Erickson and Barkshire, also in Bellevue.

She raised two beautiful daughters, Alyx and Erin McGowan, who became her best friends, traveling together and nurturing them to explore both the world and themselves. Maryann kept reinventing herself later in her life, with various pursuits as a Pilates instructor, worked a wine harvest in Napa Valley, and began writing her memoir. When faced with her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2022, she fearlessly faced what was now her third bout with cancer. Maryann was determined, and did take her girls to Ireland in her last year, and saw her oldest daughter Alyx marry in January. Maryann was a great mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was always, cool, calm, and collected and yet up for anything and everything.

Maryann is survived by her daughters Alyx (Carli) and Erin McGowan, siblings James Barkshire (Susan), Bill Barkshire (Sly), Barbara Coonce (John), Katherine Barkshire (Andre), parents Mary Frances and Arthur Barkshire. Her brother Paul preceded her in death.

She left many friends and family saddened by her loss but comforted by the memory of special times, and her undying friendship. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

In remembrance consider donating to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org/ in honor of Mary Ann Barkshire. Call directly with questions to 877-726-9572.