Patricia Louise Barr

Patricia Louise Barr (née Moehlman) passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by her loving children. Pat (as her family and friends knew her) was born on July 19th, 1945 in Manhattan, Kansas. She was a cherished child of John and Mabel Moehlman, the 8th of their 11 children.

Patricia grew up in Manhattan and attended Lucky High. She achieved her BA in education and a MS in Mass Media, both at Kansas State University. Pat started her teaching career at East Topeka Junior High. Pat taught English and history at Northern Hills Junior High for thirty years and continued to serve public education as a librarian at Avondale East Elementary School until her retirement. Her meet-cute with her husband, Tom Barr, Sr., was classic - during a tornado shelter in place after moving to Topeka. Through many difficult health issues, she supported her husband and nurtured their kids. She was a dedicated teacher and librarian during her professional career. After she retired Pat spent countless hours volunteering at her grandsons' school libraries in addition to The Seattle Public Library where you could find her organizing the book shelves and helping patrons find new books to read. She spent many years helping her son, Tom Jr. and his partner, Kelly raise their son, Trey; and her last 15 years in Seattle, Washington helping her son, Jon and his partner, Katherine raise their two children, Walter and Frederick. She was incredibly close to her daughter, Jennifer and together they were able to contribute immeasurably to their family legacy.

Pat will be remembered as a woman with a wickedly funny sense of humor, and a never-ending sense of service to those she loved. She was always up to compete and loved playing games with her family. You could never find her sitting and relaxing at a party - she was always pitching in. She was selfless in the kind of way that never made those she supported feel guilty. Her legacy will continue through her children and grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her sons, Thomas P. Barr Jr. of Topeka, KS and Jonathan L. Barr and his wife Katherine of Seattle, WA; her daughter, Jennifer M. Barr of Topeka, KS; her grandsons, Thomas "Trey" P. Barr III of Denver, CO; and Walter and Frederick Barr of Seattle, WA; her sisters, Joyce Knott of Topeka, KS, Betty Vorhies of San Diego, CA, Kathleen Arnell of Deming, WA; and brother Tom Moehlman of Federal Way, WA. Pat was predeceased by her parents, John and Mabel, her husband, Tom, her sisters, Dene Pillsbury, Eve Kramer and Mary Fran Moehlman, and brothers Bob Moehlman, John Henry Moehlman and John Fredrick Moehlman.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or Click here . Pat loved spending time at this library and would want to ensure that the important services this institution provides are sustained for many years to come.

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