Claire Marie Barker left this world unexpectedly on March 26, 2008 due to cancer. She is remembered as a compassionate, adventurous and loving woman who carried a heart-felt smile for everyone she met. She packed more life into her short 30 years than most manage in a lifetime. Her travels took her through out the U.S and abroad to Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Scotland and China. Her charisma and enthusiasm for life and Chinese medicine were infectious. She inspired her yoga students, massage clients, friends and family with her desire to be of service and was completely committed to being a shining example of a life full of vitality.

Claire was seven months shy of completing her master's degree in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego. Prior to that she received numerous degrees, including a Master's in Business Administration from San Diego State University, a Holistic Health Practitioner's Certificate from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Yoga Fit Instructor certification, Reiki Level 1practitioner certification, Fitness Instructor, and a Feng Shui Consultant certification. Claire still found time to do work with Hospice, and also to assist Matt Callison in his private clinic.

Claire was the beloved wife of Brandon L. Barker. They instantly fell in love and were married on July 7, 2001 in Moss Bluff, LA. They made their life together in San Diego, CA where Brandon is assigned as a US Navy SEAL. Their journey together was full of love, friendship, respect, and fun. Together, with their dog Darby, they celebrated life and they surrounded themselves with amazing friends that shared in their happiness. Claire left this world in Brandon's arms and she will forever remain in his heart and soul. She is also survived by her loving parents, Joe and Cindy Howard of Moss Bluff, LA, her older sister, Carla S. Sigler, of Sulphur, LA, and her paternal grandmother, Annie Marie Howard of Bossier City, LA, as well as other family members and countless friends.

No words can capture the essence of such an amazing, selfless spirit full of light and love. All that knew her, no matter how briefly, are forever changed by the pure joy and unconditional love she represented. As part of her legacy, Claire wished for advancements in the treatment of cancer, including a greater awareness, acceptance, and accessibility to alternative medical treatments. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Claire Barker Wellness Fund at www.healthyclaire.com.

This article was written by one of Claire's closest friends, Heidi Fearon: Heidi began PCOM in January of 2005 with Claire. She had just completed a 9-year Military career as a Lieutenant Commander in the Supply Corps, United States Navy. She received an undergraduate degree from the US Naval Academy in 1996 in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Heidi now has her own massage business, and teaches yoga at Ginseng Yoga studio. She will complete her studies at PCOM in December of 2008. OM