Pamela A. Barr, senior purchasing representative in the Division of Hematology in the Department of Medicine, died Friday, April 6, 2007, at St. Anthony’s Hospice after a long battle with cancer. She was 54.
Barr, who fought cancer for 11 years, recently received recognition for working 34 years at the University by Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. The department held a luncheon in her honor, which drew more than 100 of her co-workers, family and friends, said Glenda Luecke, manager of financial operations in the division.
“She was the heart and soul of this place,” Luecke said. “It was the only place she ever worked. She treated every person here like they were family.”
“Pam was excellent at her job, but what made her so special was her interest and concern about people,” said Stuart A. Kornfeld, M.D., the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor of Medicine and co-director of the Division of Hematology. “Pam never forgot a birthday, and there was no limit to what she would do to help out a co-worker. In spite of having to deal with recurrent cancer for many years, she remained upbeat and involved with helping others.”
A celebration of her life was held April 9 at Gerber Chapel in Webster Groves, Mo.
Barr is survived by her husband, Robert A. Barr Jr.; son, Robbie, and daughter-in-law, Anjanette; mother, Olive Ann Mauer; two sisters; a brother; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Hematology, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Box 8125, St. Louis, Mo., 63110.