Nancy Lee Barker

Nancy Lee Barker passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 84 in Seattle, Washington. She was born on February 23, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to Malcolm and Margaret (Walker) Barker.

As a child, Nancy lived in Japan for several years with her parents and four of her siblings while her father was stationed there. She later attended Fort Lupton High School in Colorado, where she was a cheerleader. During high school, she lived with a neighboring family as a companion and caregiver for their daughter, who was paraplegic.

After graduating, Nancy moved to West Seattle at the invitation of her sister. Determined to find work, she went door to door in downtown Seattle asking for a job and was hired as a telephone operator at Pacific Northwest Bell. Over the course of her career, Nancy became a trainer and mentor, developing deep, lifelong friendships with many of the women she worked with. She continued working for Bell as a communications specialist until her retirement.

While working for the phone company, Nancy met and later married Walter “Walt” Sharp. Together, they purchased a small bungalow overlooking Puget Sound on the west side of West Seattle. They later expanded the property, building a beautiful, light-filled home above the original bungalow, which Nancy eventually used as a rental unit.

In 1978, Nancy and Walt welcomed their son, Keegan. He was Nancy’s whole world. Her fond memories of Japan remained with her throughout her life, and after Keegan grew up and moved away from home, Nancy hosted many Japanese exchange students, welcoming them into her home and her life.

Nancy was known for her great sense of style and regularly received compliments from friends and strangers alike. She closely followed politics and world news, hoping and praying for peace. She cared deeply about her family, especially her son Keegan, as well as Fauntleroy Church, her many friends, and her cats.

A three-time cancer survivor, Nancy never let illness keep her from enjoying the activities she loved, including gardening, hiking, walking, swimming, cooking, and hosting beautiful holiday parties. She enjoyed movies, music, and art of all kinds and enjoyed watching Real Time with Bill Maher. For many years, she participated in the Jingle Bell Run with friends and volunteered with NAMI. She also sang in the Fauntleroy Church choir for more than 18 years and was an active member of three fellowship groups: Sisters, Sojourners, and Solo Seniors.

Nancy is survived by her siblings Patricia Deatrich, Malcolm (Butch) Barker, Sherry Schmidt, and Barbara Loomis, many nieces and nephews, as well as her dear friends Sara and Sarah and their children, whom she regarded as family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Margaret Barker; her siblings, Lawrence (Larry) Barker and JoAnn Windholz; and her beloved son, Keegan Sharp.

A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, followed by a reception. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifelong.org in loving memory of her brother Larry, or to the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research in honor of Nancy.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -