Susan Elizabeth (Barr) Wallen, passed away on June 28th, 2019 at the age of 53, after a courageous battle with Appendiceal Cancer. Susan passed at her home in Eagle River, comfortable, without pain with her family close by. Susan was born in Anchorage, AK to Charles and Patsy Barr. She graduated from Scenic Park High School and attended college at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Susan lived in the Anchorage and Eagle River areas her whole life, married Michael Wallen in 1985 and raised three sons in Anchorage. She spent over 27 years working in the Alaska state government for numerous legislators and community leaders where she met and made lasting impressions on hundreds of people. Susan was very devoted to her family and they were the center of her world. She loved to travel the world with family and friends and shared so many great stories from her adventures. She also enjoyed camping, cooking and gardening. She was an executive board member for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and took part in many of the community activities associated with that. Her family and friends will remember her for her incredible sense of humor, beautiful blue eyes, wonderful smile, infectious laugh and her kind and giving nature. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Michael; her sons and daughter-in-law, Jared and April Wallen, Kyle Wallen and Cameron Wallen; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Karyn Barr; her mother-in-law, Virginia Wallen; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held.
The family kindly requests that you please contribute to this site in her honor with stories, pictures, tributes, things that remind you of her or kind thoughts (at the top of the page navigate over to the stories section to share memories with a photo). This page will honor her memory and always be up for friends and family to contribute and reflect on in the future, especially after this difficult time.
I didn't know Susan "in person" very well, having met her only once in Las Vegas. What I did know of her was through my sister, Jane, who throughout the years shared their adventures in Juneau and the friendship between them. And when I finally met this "Susan", I knew what everyone who met her must have felt being around her-happiness. Her smile was infectious and her laughter so engaging. Who couldn't feel good around this woman. And the sparkle in her eye for her guy was refreshing to see. I hope the best memories of Susan will help those who loved her be less difficult in the days ahead.
Before moving out of state my Parents and I went to the state fair together, It was probably our 15th time going to the little Alaskan Fair and this was my favorite. Enjoying the people watching with her, eating terribly overpriced and delicious food. Petting all of the animals, she especially loved the little goats and piglets. More than anything I always enjoyed watching my parents be together and watching them tease and flirt with each other year after year, they are the best example a son could ever have.
I love you Mom.
The guys were going to yet another war museum, and Susan and I decided to tap out! We did a little shopping and ultimately ended up putting together this lunch. We had a hilarious deli experience, as they did not speak very good English, and we spoke even worse French. There was a lot of laughing, both us and them, but ultimately ended up with what we wanted...I think! We took it back to our hotel and sat on the most beautiful little terrace. We were sitting there chatting and thoroughly enjoying our little lunch, and I remember thinking this is what Paris is about.
An elderly lady came out on the terrace shortly after us, and we immediately asked her if she would like to join us. She declined on anyfood, but it started conversation. I remember listening to Susan ( and myself) have the best conversation with this lady. Susan had a way of making people feel so comfortable talking to her.
