There are so many lives she touched in a positive way.
So many memories that bring a smile and show the wonderful person she was.
So many stories about how she made a difference or made someone’s day.
So many hearts that are feeling sadness.
Because she was here – because she was loved.
Lori Anne Barnes
(nee Hansen)
ETCM (SW) USN Retired –Loving wife, mother, daughter and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, after a 14-year courageous battle with breast cancer. She is survived by devoted husband Robert Barnes, daughter Heather Ligot (Les) and son, Jared Barnes; mother, Barbara Hansen; brother(s) Scott Hansen, Douglas Hansen, Derek Hansen (Sara) and sister, Janine Hansen (Randy); many family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Paul Hansen, niece Veronnica Hansen and sister-in-law Patti Hansen.
She was born in Cedar Falls, IA March 9, 1960, the first daughter of Paul and Barbara Hansen. She grew up in the town of Dike, IA and graduated with honors from Dike Community School in 1978. She joined the US Navy December 7, 1977 and retired June 17, 2002. She graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to graduate from Old Dominion University with a Masters.
She met her husband of 33 years, Bob Barnes, in Thurso, Scotland February 5, 1980. They were married on August 23, 1981. Together they served in the U.S. Navy for 8 years. They had their first child, Heather Rae, on January 18, 1984 while stationed in Greece. They returned stateside to Joliet, Illinois for her birth and then returned to service in Greece for the next year. Even with a diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer she found it in her heart to adopt her great nephew, Jared Paul, when he was just 1 ½ years of age in May 2005. He officially became Jared Paul Robert Barnes on April 9, 2007; though in her mother’s heart from the first thought of adoption.
After retiring from the Navy, she started teaching at Virginia Beach Middle School in 2002 and retired in 2012. She was Virginia Beach Middle School Teacher of the year 2012. Lori touched the lives of countless students inspiring them to thrive in learning. Several students will carry on her legacy of teaching by becoming teachers themselves. She was a dedicated teacher always going out of her way to help out those who needed an extra help. She would re-write tests and assignments to accommodate a students’ foreign language. She was a guiding light to some many young lives. Lori also shared her passion for volleyball by serving as assistant volleyball coach at Virginia Beach Middle School.
Lori lived life with a passion and optimism that would have you wrapped around her finger within minutes of being in her presence. She had an infectious smile that sparkled and shined even in her most difficult days. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. Lori enjoyed life to the fullest every day. She loved to travel, cook, bake and garden. She loved to do crafts. Making cards with Stampin’ Up was a favorite hobby, believing that homemade cards were the best and meant more to the receiver. Lori was a thrill seeker loving rollercoasters, but also enjoyed her quiet time with books, games, word puzzles and watching movies.
She was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at the age of 40. She took the diagnoses with grace and strength that has inspired all whose lives she encountered. She courageously fought a battle that no one should have to endure. Lori was a true champion, beating many odds, and never wanting to show her pain along the way. She was truly an angel on this earth.
Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized
Meritorious Service Medal (2) Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation (3), Meritorious Unit Commendation (3), Navy “E” Ribbon (3), Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Navy & Marine Corps overseas Service Ribbon (4), NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudia Arabia), Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin.
Commands
1. Recruit Training Command – Orlando, FL. 17, August 1978 – 17, October 1978.
2. U.S. Naval Communication Station – Thurso, Scotland, UK. 5, February 1980 – 6, August 1981.
3. U.S. Naval Communication Station – Nea Makri, Greece. 5, February 1982 – 1, February 1985.
4. Fleet Training Center – Norfolk, VA. 23, February 1985 – 27, April 1989.
5. USS Yellowstone (AD-41). 14, June 1989 – 1, May 1992.
6. Mobile Technical Unit Two. Norfolk, VA. 9, October 1992 – 1, December 1993.
7. Fleet Technical Support Center Atlantic. Norfolk, VA. 2, December 1993 – 10, February 1995.
8. USS Barry (DDG-52). 31, March 1995 – 26, May 1998.
9. Commander Regional Support Group. Norfolk, VA. 26, June 1998 – 30, September 2002.
10. Retired – 17, June 2002.
Please share a memory with the family by clicking the “Condolences & Tributes” tab.
Thank you, Mrs. Barnes for your service to our country in the U.S. Navy.
Send FlowersPlant a Tree
Lori was an inspiration to us all! She will live in my heart forever. It is truly a blessing having you in my life! Words can’t describe what it meant having you for a friend…. You will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with the Barnes family. My love goes out to you all.
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Lori. I met her while stationed on USS Barry. She was a wonderful Mentor, a Great Command Master Chief, and above all, an Awesome Lady. She had helped me though a couple of tough times and I wanted to let you all know, she left a very lasting and Positive memory with me. I am Saddened by her passing and I am glad her suffering has come to an end. I know for a fact that she is vibrant, and energetic in the Kingdom of Heaven, and is looking down knowing she made a difference not only in MY life, but in many others. She will be missed, and Cherished forever. Fair Winds and Following Sea’s my Friend.
God’s peace to the whole family. What a great women and sailor. I am glad to say we were shipmates on Barry. Great leader and shipmate. I was fortunate to talk with her a couple of months ago, she was such a strong person. Thank you for your time and service Lori. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob, Since I found you and Lori on Facebook I often find myself going back to Thurso, Scotland….For the 2 of you to meet there and be together all of this time is wonderful. I am so sorry to hear about Lori…Whenever I think of either one of you, I always think of you both…My prayers are with you and your family…
My deepest sympathy to my Uncle Bob and cousins Heather and Jared. Aunt Lori was a great lady who died way too young when she had so much more to contribute to all of our lives. God has a bigger plan for her. I will be forever greatful to have known her. It’s nice to know that there is an angel up there to watch over all of us!
We want to express our deepest sympathy to Bob and our daughter in-law Heather. We hope you will find comfort during the difficult time of your bereavement. We will keep you in our prayers.
Bob, You have my heart and warmest blessings for peace for Lori, you, and all of Lori’s loving family and friends. I have so much to thank Lori for and pray she knows how much I cherished her friendship and mentorship. Lori has been and always will be very dear to me. Love to all, Diana
Bob, You have my heart and warmest blessings for peace for Lori, you, and all of Lori’s loving family and friends. I have so much to thank Lori for and pray she knows how much I cherished her friendship and mentorship. Lori has been and always will be very dear to me. Love to all, Diana
We are so very sorry for you loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family in this time of need. We are glad we got to know Lori while we were all stationed in Greece together…she was a very wonderful woman and a great friend…She will remain in our hearts forever…
RIP Master Chief. You were taken too soon from this world. We served together aboard the USS Yellowstone AD-41. Always pleasant Always smiling.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lori during her tour at FLETRACEN. She set the example for all current and future sailors which is why she was our school’s and command’s #1 candidate for Chief Warrant Officer. She didn’t make it for some unknown reason, but certainly nothing she was lacking in. It was the Navy’s loss not to select her; but she went on to make ETCM and Command Master Chief and a great Navy Career. You will be missed by all!
Dear Hansen family and Family of the Barnes,
I am so sorry for your loss of Lori. She was
a very exceptional lady. Prayers for you all
and for Lori. She is with Jesus now and not
battling the cancer. It seems little comfort
now but, she is pain free and carefree now. My love and prayers to you all…Sincerely, Lori Lindholm Juhl, cousin of Lori
Dear Family of the Barnes and Hansen family. Please know that others share in your loss. I’ve known Lori since she was a little girl; she was an exceptional lady and well loved by all. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Barb Lindholm Hazen
Bob – you and Lori were one of a kind — they broke the mold after the two of you! The world needs more people like Lori to be a better place. Please stay strong for Heather and Jared.