Catherine Elaine Barker

Catherine Elaine Barker, born in June of 1957, in the scenic town of Lubec, Maine, departed this world on June 27, 2025, in Olympia, Washington. Cathy's heart was as generous as her laughter and smile was infectious. She is survived by her cherished family, Loree' Randall, who will carry her in her heart forever, her two dogs - Cleo and Jazzmin, who brought immeasurable joy to her life, her father in-law Louis Randall, who she called Pops, sister in-law Katherine Duffy (Bob), her nephew, Cale Stevens, a niece, Madison Barker (Moreno) and over 40 cousins who loved and cherished her. Cousins Larry Hall and Suzanne (Lord) Batstone were especially close to Cathy and will miss her dearly. Her heartwarming laugh and beautiful smile will remain with the family forever. Cathy was pre-deceased by her parents, Harry and Gertrude (Griffin) Barker, her brother Dennis Barker and sister Judy (Barker) Stevens.
Cathy's journey through life was a delightful blend of kindness and humor. She dedicated a good portion of her career to the Department of Health with roles that varied from being a boat operator to a shellfish inspector. Cathy enjoyed assisting shellfish growers navigate the bureaucratic maze of licensing with a smile. She often chuckled and said, "I don't make up this shit", pertaining to some of the rules that the shellfish industry is mandated to follow.
Beyond her professional life, Cathy was the ultimate Seahawks superfan-she didn't just watch the games, she lived them. Decked out in full '12s' regalia like it was a team uniform and clutching her beloved Coors Light like it was the Lombardi Trophy, she was ready for kickoff. Fantasy football? Let's just say she took it so seriously you'd think she had a front office job-she managed her team with the intensity of a coach and the swagger of a GM. When she wasn't bossing around her imaginary team, you'd find her tending her garden in the sunshine-often au naturel, because why ruin a good tan? Her dogs, I'm convinced, acted as her garden crew: one nibbled at stray sprouts, another dug the holes. They were her loyal sidekicks in both mischief and mulch. Cathy's spirit will live on, and she will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, generosity, and laughter will resonate forever. Your spirit soars now, free and at peace, rest easy Cathy, you've earned it.
Please share your condolences, memories, photos ( you can see all photos shared in "mementos" above) and stories in Tributes (you will need to scroll up or down a bit to "Leave a Tribute") as there are likely many great ones that everyone would love to hear. Sharing them here instead of sending private messages will ensure that family will be able to access all condolences and memories for years to come to help with healing and keeping her memory alive. TY
Though she may have left us too soon, plans for a celebration of life to honor Cathy will be forthcoming, with events set to take place in both Maine and Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org) or Concern for Animals (https://www.concernforanimals.org/), causes that were close to Cathy's heart.