Kevin Barnett lost his mother Mary Barnett to uterine sarcoma and John Searing lost his sister Jennifer Searing to ovarian sarcoma. Through Mary and Jenny’s valiant efforts to survive their cancers, their families and friends have accepted the challenge to make a difference in the lives of those currently battling cancer.
Jennifer Searing grew up in Harford County, Maryland. She attended North Harford High School where she was president of her senior class. While in high school, she was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for her work with migrant children and a Senatorial Scholarship for her community service. Before graduating from Towson State University in 1990, Jenny completed a year abroad at Melbourne University in Australia. After graduation, she worked for the City Paper in Baltimore. Jenny was a caring and sincere young woman. Those who knew her, even for a short while, felt blessed by her presence in their lives. Always ready with a smile, a word of encouragement, or her contagious laugh, she made a positive impact on those around her. Jenny died of ovarian sarcoma on July 16, 1995 at the age of 26.
Oh! I wish I were a butterfly
To be free to go
And fly high.
I would spread my wings,
My beautiful wings,
And do all sorts of silly things.
And when it was time to go,
I would soar high
And the wind would blow.
And if I were to die,
Deep down I would know
That everyone loves a butterfly!
Jennifer Searing (8/13/1968 – 7/16/1995)
Poem written at Age 13
Mary Barnett grew up in Baltimore’s Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, went to Seton High School and graduated from Towson State Teachers College in 1971. She taught second grade for two years and then became a full time mother of two boys and a girl. Little by little, she eventually returned to teaching. First, as a volunteer, next as a substitute, and finally, full time. She ended her career as a reading teacher at Pine Grove Middle School in Baltimore County. Mary was a special person. She had a gift for teaching and shared her love for learning with her students and made a lasting impression in their lives. She always had a positive attitude about education, life, and the people around her. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She fought hard, but lost the battle against the disease. Mary died of uterine sarcoma on September 6, 2002 at the age of 55.
I want to leave you with something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in people whom I have known and loved; and if you cannot live without me, then let me live on in your eyes, your mind, and your acts of kindness.
Love does not die; people do. So, when all that is left of me is love…. give me away.
Mary Barnett (1/5/1947 – 9/6/2002)
Wife, Mother, Teacher, Friend
Keep in touch with BSNCF!
