Dr. Louanne Barton

Dr. Louanne Barton, PhD Dr. Louanne Barton, PhD, age 67, passed away at her home overlooking Lake Erie on Saturday, December 30, 2006, after a courageous 18 year battle against breast cancer. For the past several years, Louanne lived in Erie, Pa. and Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born September 17, 1939 in Indiana a daughter of the late Kenneth and Maxine Fraser McDougal. The family was drawn to Erie by work at General Electric. She attended Fairview High School, received her PhD in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and post-doctoral training at Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. Louanne’s long career as a professional counselor included work at the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, Saint Vincent Mental Health Center, Hamot Community Mental Health Center, and as a professor and student counselor at Penn State, Behrend College, and Gannon University. Most recently Louanne has been a volunteer counselor for the American Red Cross and a volunteer for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle State Park. Louanne had a true love for outdoor adventure, especially kayaking, and enjoyed paddling adventures in Belize, the Na Pali Coast, Hawaii, and Glacier Bay, Alaska. Her spirit will dwell in the mountains of Colorado and the lakes and streams of northwestern Pennsylvania. She was a gifted watercolor artist who painted and studied in both Erie and Fort Collins. Louanne cherished her friendships and those with whom she shared her outdoor adventures. She was thankful for all the help, support, and love she received from her friends and the congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Her love for others and passion for the outdoors will be remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Jim Smith; two sons: Mike Barton, and wife Julie, Dave Barton and wife Lisa, both of Colorado and grandchildren Faith Anne, Grace, and Kenny; step-daughter, Abby Low and husband, Victor of Philadelphia and granddaughter, Vivian; and step-son Jason Smith, and wife, Melanie of Florida. A celebration of Louanne’s life will be held at the Erie Unitarian Universalist Church, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie on Thursday, January 4th at 5pm. Arrangements handled by the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3816 West Lake Road. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gannon University â€" Non Traditional Graduate Student Fund 109 University Sq. Erie, PA 16541; American Cancer Society 2115 West 38th St. Erie, PA 16508; or the Great Lakes Hospice 1700 Peach St. Suite 244, Erie, PA 16501. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.