Elizabeth Barefield

1953 - 2014

Elizabeth Barefield

Elizabeth was born and grew up in Shoreline where her father's hobby of hybridizing rhododendrons surrounded their house with flowers. She graduated from Shoreline High School and later completed an undergraduate degree at Antioch University before obtaining a Masters from Harvard Kennedy School of Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences.

Liza was a fierce advocate for all people having access to affordable quality health care and devoted the early years of her career to the community health movement in Seattle. She was the executive director of the Fremont Women's Clinic which became 45th Street Clinic. The clinic is located in a Seattle historic landmark in the Wallingford neighborhood.

After she finished her master's program at Harvard, she continued to work in health care, holding positions at Premera Blue Cross, the Northwest Medical Bureau, and Group Health. In each of these roles she was known for her brilliant insight and analytical skills, her exceptional intellect, and her quick and to-the-point wit.

As health challenges took her away from her career, she turned her attention to her church and children, especially her adored grand-niece Audrey.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 36 years, Mike Sellman.

A celebration of Liza's life will be held later this spring. For now please share your thoughts, memories, stories and pictures at: http://elizabeth.barefield.muchloved.com. The date and details of the memorial will be available there.